The TV anime " The Apothecary Diaries " is based on the light novel by Natsu Hyuga . Suirei, a mysterious court lady who appears in the first season and is knowledgeable about medicinal herbs, who works at the outer court, reappears in the second season, and her true identity has been revealed, creating a buzz. Suirei's true identity is that of Zicui (the senior consort, Consort Loulan), the half-sister of the protagonist, Maomao, to the fox village. Playing Suirei is popular voice actress Nazuka Kaori, known for her roles as Eureka in "Eureka Seven" and Uta in "One Piece Film Red." How will Nazuka play the mysterious Suirei?
*Contains spoilers up to episode 44, broadcast on May 30th.
◇ He doesn’t show his emotions, but…
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 a glamorous harem on a certain continent, where Maomao, a poison taster, and the handsome harem manager 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)."
In the first season, Suirei works as a court lady while also conducting espionage activities for her family. She fakes her suicide and disappears for a time. Although she is a mysterious character, she left a strong impact in the first season.
"At first, I found her hard to grasp, and I was unsure how to play her. In the first season, I think she acted as if she wasn't trying to leave an impression, but like Shisui, there is also a certain elegance to her. She inherited the blood of her grandfather, the former emperor, so I felt that it might be better if she let a little of her dignity show through. I was also directed not to show too much emotion. Even when talking to Maomao, she doesn't get shaken by what she is told. Even if she has something on her mind, she doesn't show it in her expressions or words, and she doesn't generally show any signs of being upset. I had to make it unclear what her intentions are, and whether she is a smart person or not, while also leaving an impression, so I carefully consulted with her about the right balance while playing her."
In the second season, he again hides in the harem as a eunuch and kidnaps Maomao. His relationship with Shisui and his background are also revealed.
"He's tall, has clear facial features, and looks strong, but he's lived an oppressed life, and his inner self is the complete opposite of his appearance. You can see that he's a person who has lived in a place where his heart is suppressed. He may not have said much because he was hiding a lot of things and trying not to be found out. I think he's lived a life where he hasn't stood out much since he was young. You can see that he has acquired the skills to blend in wherever he goes and not stray from his duties. In the second season, you also see that he is trying to complete instructions, rather than thinking for himself and acting on his own. Within that, he has the desire to save Maomao, but in the end he is unable to do anything. I felt that kind of frustration while acting."
We also see how she has been oppressed by the Shen Mei, the mother of Lou Lan (Zicui). We also begin to feel a sense of transience and sadness.
"I want to help Maomao, but I'm afraid of Kambi, who has treated me with scorn since childhood and sometimes even physically abused me, so I can't be forceful. At first, I came on quite forcefully during recording, but I was also told not to put so much emotion into Oto. I know that I can't change anything with my own power, so I'm afraid that by being forceful, it could lead to even stronger punishment. Personally, I feel like I want to say something back, but that's not the case with Suirei. You start to see her sadder side. That's what makes it fun to play her."
◇ I love Kosui but
Her relationship with her half-sister, Shisui, is also complicated. However, we also get a glimpse of the bond between them as sisters. The story expresses her complicated feelings.
"I actually really like Shisui, I'm grateful to her, and I want to get closer to her. But I feel like I'm winning out because I'm afraid that if I get too close, I'll cause her trouble. I really want to return her feelings, and show her how happy I am, but I think I know firsthand that not doing so will help us maintain this distance and our relationship. I have an older sister, so I think I understand a little bit about how sisters feel towards each other. My older sister often tries to be strong, thinking, 'I'm the older sister, so I have to be strong,' while my younger sister lives a free-spirited life. I loved my older sister, but when she was going through her rebellious phase, I think she probably found me annoying. There were times when she wouldn't talk to me, but I still loved her and respected her, and she didn't hate me. I feel like there's something that sisters can understand without exchanging words. Shisui and Suirei are always conscious of each other, and I get the impression that they maintain a good distance."
Kamimi is also an important character. Thanks to Rika Fukami's acting, the atmosphere becomes more tense when she appears.
"I think the most important thing in acting is the reaction, and it changes depending on the reaction of the other person, but the moment Kamimi spoke the air froze, and that tense atmosphere spread throughout the studio, and I felt like everyone naturally reacted to it. It felt like even taking a breath would get you in trouble, so throughout the play I was constantly on edge so as not to miss a single word she said. It was really fun to act as we were all able to create that atmosphere. I hope that that sense of tension was conveyed to everyone through the television."
◇Seto-chan pulled me along
When it was announced that she would be appearing in "The Apothecary Diaries" as Suirei, Nazuka commented, "Maomao is so charming, I was instantly drawn into her world."
"She's really cute. She has a unique, detached personality, and her "soliloquy" is also a big part of her charm. Of course it's based on the original work, but Ao-chan's (Maomao , who plays Nekoneko) acting makes it even more interesting. Her "soliloquy" is so pleasant that you want to listen to it forever, it's wonderful. It's always fun to be on set, and you never get bored no matter how many times you hear it. She's amazing! I think it's because of Maomao's "soliloquy" that we can see the character of Suirei, who doesn't say much. Maomao is really charming."
Episode 45, which aired on June 6th, was the episode in which Kosui takes action.
"Behind Shisui's smile there are many thoughts and feelings, and I think it was difficult for Seto (Asami) who played her. I was often led by Seto's Shisui. And Shisui and Suirei will continue to be at the mercy of those around them. I would be happy if you could see them through to the end."
Where will Suirei and Shisui, who are at the mercy of fate, head? You can't take your eyes off the sisters' movements.
