A live stream celebrating the anniversary of the anime adaptation of The Apothecary Diaries (Kusuriya no Hitorigoto) revealed some exciting news, including a key visual and a teaser video.
It was announced that the second season of the anime will premiere on January 10, 2025, at 11:00 p.m. JST (9:00 a.m. EST) on Nippon TV’s FRIDAY ANIME NIGHT.
This season is set to air for two consecutive cours, meaning it will run for about six months. Fans can also look forward to streaming on Crunchyroll.
The first season of The Apothecary Diaries began airing in October 2023, starting with the first three episodes. It was also split into two cours, with the second part premiering on January 6.
Crunchyroll streamed the series as it aired in Japan and offered an English dub, making it accessible to a wider audience.
The popularity of the first season has set high expectations for the upcoming second season. The anime is directed by Norihiro Naganuma, who is known for his work on The Ancient Magus’ Bride season one.
He oversaw the script for the first season, ensuring the adaptation stayed true to the source material. Akinori Fudesaka served as the assistant director, while Yukiko Nakatani handled character design.
The Apothecary Diaries Returns Season 2 Teaser Confirms January 2025 Premiere (TOHO animation STUDIO)
Sound direction was managed by Shoji Hata, and the musical score was a collaborative effort by Satoru Kousaki, Kevin Penkin, and Arisa Okehazama.
The Apothecary Diaries follows the story of Maomao, a seemingly ordinary girl raised in a small town by her father, who is an apothecary.
Her life takes a dramatic turn when she is kidnapped and sold into service in the rear palace, where the emperor’s consorts and serving women reside.
Despite her humble background, Maomao possesses a sharp mind and extensive knowledge of medicine, which she keeps hidden until she meets Jinshi, the head eunuch of the palace.
Jinshi quickly realizes Maomao’s intelligence and unique skills, leading him to appoint her as a lady-in-waiting to the emperor’s favorite consort.
Her main task is to taste the consort’s food for poison, which places her in a dangerous yet intriguing position within the palace.
The story explores themes of intrigue, power dynamics, and Maomao’s growth as she handles the complexities of her new life.
The light novel series was first serialized by Natsu Hyuga on the Shosetsuka ni Naro website in October 2011, gaining popularity before it was published in print by Shufunotomo starting in August 2014.
An ongoing manga adaptation by Nekokurage began in May 2017, with Square Enix Manga & Books releasing both the manga and the light novels in English.
This multi-platform success showcases the widespread appeal of The Apothecary Diaries and its engaging story.
The release of the new Fish-Man Island Saga in One Piece has encountered a delay, shifting its debut date.
Originally scheduled for October 27, 2024, the anime’s launch had to be postponed due to coverage of the MLB World Series.
The official announcement confirmed that fans will now get to see the first episode on November 3, 2024, in Japan.
Meanwhile, international viewers won’t have to wait much longer, as Crunchyroll will stream the series simultaneously with its airing.
The reimagined Fish-Man Island Saga isn’t just a simple re-release but a freshly-edited version that condenses the original arc into 21 episodes.
With modernized visuals and storytelling enhancements, the saga is designed to bring the story to life in a new way for both longtime followers and newcomers.
It aims to keep the core events intact while streamlining the story for a more refined viewing experience, providing a new take on the beloved arc.
The storyline starts with the Straw Hat Pirates reuniting at Sabaody Archipelago after being apart for two years.
Their last encounter at this place had ended in a devastating defeat against the Pacifista, but the crew returns now stronger and determined to face new challenges.
ONE PIECE LOG: FISH-MAN ISLAND SAGA (ONE PIECE Official)
This version serves as a reminder of their growth and readiness to tackle the dangers awaiting them in the New World, demonstrating how far they’ve come since their separation.
With the Thousand Sunny prepared for underwater travel, the crew sets their sights on the legendary Fish-Man Island, a key gateway to the New World.
This underwater journey represents not only a a plunge into the deep but also a symbolic descent into greater threats and higher stakes.
The revamped saga captures this sense of adventure while keeping the original story’s charm intact.
One Piece Log: Fish-Man Island Saga serves as an ideal starting point for new fans who want a quicker introduction to the series without sacrificing important moments.
It also caters to longtime followers who wish to revisit the arc with a fresh perspective. The updated animation and abridged format provide a more contemporary feel, giving the story a revitalized energy.
The revamped Fish-Man Island Saga marks a significant opportunity for One Piece to reach a broader audience.
Its contemporary enhancements and condensed storytelling aim to offer a satisfying experience that preserves the heart of the original while making it accessible to those who might find the length of the classic episodes daunting.
