Is ‘The Apothecary Diaries’ a Romance Anime? (& Is It Worth Watching?)

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  • The Apothecary Diaries is a Japanese light novel series written by Natsu Hyūga that started publication in 2011, and has been adapted in the form of a manga, as well as an anime.
  • The Apothecary Diaries is a work that can be primarily classified as a romance drama, but there are some mystery and history elements in the story as well.
  • If you’re a fan of shōjo and josei works, The Apothecary Diaries is definitely going to be a series you will enjoy, as it is primarily aimed at these two groups.

The Apothecary Diaries is undoubtedly a romance anime

The Apothecary Diaries is a captivating story on many levels. It centers around Maomao, a young woman working as an apothecary, who navigates both the complexities of her profession and the political schemes within her country’s court. She also deals with her own personal challenges and relationships. The animation is absolutely beautiful, and the anime adaptation has quietly become very popular since it first aired. So, let’s take a closer look at what the series is all about.

Let me tell you about Maomao – this young woman has lived a *remarkably* difficult life. Even as a little girl, she worked in a brothel and was essentially raised by a pharmacist, living and learning from him. Then, things took a turn for the worse when she was kidnapped and sold to the imperial court, starting her life there as a simple laundry maid. She’s actually quite shrewd; she deliberately keeps her knowledge and skills hidden. Why? Because any promotion, any higher position, would just mean more profit for the people who are holding her captive. But when the emperor’s two most favored consorts and their children – the crown prince and princess – all fall mysteriously ill, Maomao starts secretly leaving messages, hoping to help. It’s a fascinating setup, and I’m already intrigued to see where this goes.

She understood the powder was a poison, mirroring the danger faced by the women at the brothel. Even though the crown prince succumbed, the princess’s mother, Highness Gyokuyo, heeded the warning. The eunuch Jinshi cleverly manipulated Maomao into sharing what she knew. As a result, Maomao became Gyokuyo’s personal maid, which also served to thwart the kidnappers’ plans. To utilize Maomao’s expertise in medicine and poisons, she was appointed as Gyokuyo’s food taster. Having already experimented with numerous poisons herself, Maomao wasn’t concerned for her own safety, but the other maids pitied her situation.

Meanwhile, Jinshi attempts to exploit Maomao’s abilities for his own benefit. Though he tries to win her over, Maomao finds him repulsive – handsome, yes, but also cunning and untrustworthy. However, Jinshi’s status at court gives him power, and he’s amused by Maomao’s rebellious nature. Consequently, Maomao finds herself reluctantly working for him. During this time, she encounters Gaoshin, Jinshi’s adjutant, who proves to be a stark contrast to his master – diligent, dedicated, and a true partner in his work.

As a fan, I’d say The Apothecary Diaries is definitely a romance anime, though it’s officially labeled as drama, mystery, and romance. It’s true there are a lot of historical elements woven in, but what really captivates me is the connection between the characters and the unfolding romance. I really feel confident saying it centers around that romance and the drama it creates.

The Apothecary Diaries is a nice series for shōjo and josei fans

Having described the genre of The Apothecary Diaries, we can now address whether it’s worth watching – and the answer is yes, but mainly if you enjoy shōjo and josei stories. The Apothecary Diaries blends various elements, but it’s primarily aimed at female audiences. It’s a generally feel-good series, and while it features mystery and action, viewers who prefer shōnen anime might not find it as engaging, as the storyline doesn’t follow that typical structure.

However, the art style and overall feeling of The Apothecary Diaries are genuinely impressive. If you enjoy visually appealing stories that center on the connections between characters and their growth, then The Apothecary Diaries is well worth watching. Maomao is a compelling main character – a very unique heroine – and that’s what makes her so memorable and beloved.

As a movie and series lover, I wouldn’t call The Apothecary Diaries a revolutionary piece of work, but it’s genuinely beautiful. You can really feel the effort and emotion that went into it, which is why I’d recommend it. However, I will say this: if you don’t usually enjoy shōjo and josei stories, you might not get as much out of it. But if you *do* like those genres, trust me, it’s going to be a really lovely experience.

Score: 7/10

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2025-10-02 14:46