An event for the TV anime " The Apothecary Diaries ," based on the light novel by Natsu Hyuga, which was born from the novel submission site " Shosetsuka ni Naro ," was held at Kochi Prefectural Gymnasium (Kochi City) on April 5th, with Takeo Otsuka , who plays Jinshi , and Misaki Kuno, who plays Koran, making an appearance. The event was held within the "Kochi Anikuri Festival 2025" in Kochi City, and over 500 fans gathered, filling the venue to capacity.
Otsuka said, "I'm surprised that so many people have come. It's amazing, even in the back!", and Kuno said, "It's amazing, the back is packed with customers!", both of them impressed. Otsuka said about Kochi, "It's a great place. The food is delicious, and it's rich in nature. I'm already satisfied and enjoying it!", and Kuno said excitedly, "I came here last night and I'm enjoying it! I ate bonito tataki yesterday! It was so thick and so big! I was kicking my legs out!" Otsuka also said, "I ate bonito, fried moray eel, and baby sardines! I'm already enjoying the food in Kochi."
After completing the first cour of the second season, Otsuka said, "The reactions on social media have been great, and the opening and ending videos, which were just released yesterday, have already been viewed an incredible number of times. It really makes me realize that a lot of people are watching The Pharmacist." Kuno said, "We're surprised that we could make a sequel so quickly. It's also fun to do the dubbing with everyone."
Regarding the dubbing, Otsuka said, "The set was very well-balanced, and each cast member was a perfect fit, so when that person started speaking, the atmosphere was instantly created." Kuno nodded eagerly and said, "The moment Goo-kun started speaking, I was like, Ah! It's Jinshi! The atmosphere became so dignified!"
When the topic turned to Ko Midori, the new character in the second season, Kuno said, "Ko Midori's presence is quite large from Koran's perspective. When they first appeared, it seemed like the two of them had already established a relationship, so I was actually worried about whether we could create the right atmosphere. But I'm good enough friends with Seto (Asami)-chan, who plays Ko Midori, that we even go out to eat together privately, so we were able to quickly create a comfortable atmosphere and I was able to open up and act, so I hope you will pay attention to the gentle atmosphere that flows between the three of them, including Maomao."
Kuno said her favorite scene is episode 25 of the first season, "Maomao and Ke Ke," in which Xiao Ran begins to learn how to read and write. She said, "Instead of giving up just because she can't read or write, Xiao Ran asks Maomao to teach her, and I was reminded of how positive she is. Xiao Ran is the only person Maomao can feel safe opening up to. I always play the role with an innocent and open heart so that I can create an atmosphere where Maomao can feel at ease and be honest with me. One of her wonderful points is that she can treat everyone on an equal footing, regardless of their social status."
Otsuka cited episode 31, "The Shrine of Choice," as one that made a big impression on her, saying, "It depicts the hidden depths of the harem and the lives of important people like the empress dowager. The relationships are becoming increasingly complicated, and there are many important episodes coming up for the second season, so I hope you will watch the episode while sorting things out again."
As for her favorite scene, she chose episode 35, "The Hunt," where Princess Tamaya and Jinshi talk about the "borrowing and lending of Maomao." She said, "I personally really like the relationship between Princess Tamaya and Jinshi, and I love how Princess Tamaya is so refined and teasing without crossing the line. The direction also included requests like "give it back" and "lend it to me," and I was able to record together with Atsumi Tanezaki, who plays Princess Tamaya, so I think the atmosphere is great. The relationship between Maomao and Jinshi is also changing rapidly, so I hope you will continue to pay attention to it." Kuno responded, "The relationship between these two really makes my heart race! It makes me want to cheer them on, saying, "Do your best, Jinshi!" Their relationship has changed a lot since episode 1. Maomao also had a lot of monologues at first, but now she just says what she thinks honestly. The distance between them is getting closer."
When the topic turned to future developments, Otsuka-san looked at the key visual and PV for the second season's second cour, saying, "People who know the original work are probably thinking, 'They're going to go this far!' But I'm also curious about the scenery and people reflected in the background of the key visual...! Jinshi isn't in the key visual, so that's also very impressive. All the episodes up to now are points of interest, so I hope you'll watch them again and enjoy the second cour, where the atmosphere changes completely." Kuno-san said, "I hope you'll keep an eye on the relationship between Koran, Maomao, and Kosui. When the three of them are together , Maomao is in the big sister position. Because Maomao is watching over them warmly, Kosui and Koran can have fun. Whatever I say will probably be a spoiler (laughs), but something a little difficult will happen to Koran after this, so I would be happy if you could keep an eye on her."
Finally, Kuno said, "Thank you for gathering in such large numbers. This is my first time visiting Kochi, and it's a really great place. All the food is delicious, and we all went to Kochi Castle, and the cherry blossoms were really beautiful. I'm glad I was able to come to Kochi at such a nice time. It was a very happy time to realize that so many people are watching ' The Apothecary Diaries' and to once again realize everyone's love for pharmacies." Otsuka said, "I had a lot of fun in Kochi. I'd love to come again next year, so I'd be happy if you could convey your enthusiastic comments to me. And on a personal note, this is actually the first time I've spoken to Kuno in an informal manner in public (laughs). The second season, second cour, is also ending with a high level of satisfaction, so let's continue to have fun together! Thank you for today!"
The light novel version of "The Apothecary Diaries" is published by Hero Bunko (Imagine Infos), and its comic adaptation has also gained popularity. The original series has sold over 40 million copies in total. The story is set in the glamorous harem of a certain continent, where Maomao, a young poison taster, and the handsome eunuch Jinshi become embroiled in an incident that takes place in the harem, which is full of conspiracies and rumors. The first season of the TV anime aired on Nippon TV from October 2023 to March 2024. The second season is currently airing on Nippon TV's anime slot "FRIDAY ANIME NIGHT (Fura-ani)."
