‘I Think About an International Audience’: Apothecary Diaries Director Opens Up About Anime’s Global Appeal

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As a dedicated fan who has been captivated by The Apothecary Diaries since its debut in 2023, I can wholeheartedly attest to the extraordinary impact this series has had on the global audience. The visual elements, masterfully crafted by Toho Animation and OLM, have undeniably played a crucial role in the series’ unparalleled success.

At Anime Expo 2024, Director Norihiro Naganuma disclosed that the visual aspect significantly contributed to the series’ success, which debuted in 2023 and rapidly gained global recognition as a phenomenon. The anime adaptation, titled “The Apothecary Diaries,” is derived from a Japanese light novel series authored by Natsu Hyūga and illustrated by Touko Shino, which initially started serialization in 2011. A new season of the anime is scheduled to air in 2025.

In a conversation with ComicBook, Director Norihiro Naganuma discusses why the anime strikes such a chord worldwide. He attributes this success to the visual aspects created by studios Toho Animation and OLM, which he feels have made the series feel real. According to him, it’s not solely about character movement or color usage; there are multiple methods employed to amplify emotions for the viewers.

Norihiro Naganuma expressed that he deliberately tailored The Apothecary Diaries’ content for a global audience. He believes that ‘vibrancy’ is an important aspect when considering an international perspective, and he put considerable thought into creating a drama featuring diverse characters in a limited timeframe.

Naganuma additionally notes that he aimed to incorporate numerous colors to reflect the intricacies of the light novel’s depiction as faithfully as possible. Whether it was conveying Maomao’s emotional shifts or diverse landscapes, the director sought to make the series vivid and colorful. The manga adaptations have achieved impressive sales figures, surpassing 31 million copies.

The Apothecary Journals narrate the tale of Maomao, a youthful lady who is abducted and offered for sale at the Imperial Palace as a servant. In this setting, she covertly employs her healing abilities to aid others. Despite her attempts to stay incognito, her undercover activities are discovered by the court eunuch, who subsequently elevates her to a position of greater influence.

During Season 1 of The Apothecary Diaries, Norihiro Naganuma not only acted as the main director but also oversaw the scriptwriting process. Akinori Fudeskaka was his assistant director during this season. The anime series continued for two consecutive story arcs, and news about Season 2 was revealed at the end of Season 1. Keep an eye out for updates on the next installment!

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2024-08-07 14:08