The first volume will release in 2026.
J-Novel Club has confirmed that “The Apothecary Diaries” (Kusuriya no Hitorigoto) is getting an English audiobook adaptation, with production already underway. The announcement was made during the publisher’s panel at Anime Boston on Sunday, 4 April (SGT), with Hyuganatsu present.
The audiobook announcement arrives alongside continued momentum for the anime adaptation. The first season premiered in October 2023, opening with three episodes and running for two cours. A second season followed in January 2025.
The franchise is set to expand further, with a third season scheduled to begin in October 2026, while its second cour is planned for April 2027. In addition, a separate anime film featuring an original story by Hyuganatsu is set to premiere in December 2026.
The Apothecary Diaries English audiobook
Premiere date: yet to be announced
Publisher: J-Novel Club
Production details and release window
RB Media, known for its extensive catalogue of audiobook productions, is managing the adaptation. Further details, including casting and narration, have not yet been announced.
The audiobook project adds to the growing international presence of the series, which J-Novel Club has already been publishing digitally in English since November 2020. The move into audiobooks expands accessibility for readers who prefer listening formats.
What is the Apothecary Diaries about?
Originally written by Hyuganatsu, The Apothecary Diaries began as a web novel on the Shōsetsuka ni Narō platform in October 2011. It was later picked up for print publication by Shufunotomo in August 2014, featuring illustrations by Touko Shino.
J-Novel Club describes the story as follows:
“In the East is a land ruled by an emperor, whose consorts and serving women live in a sprawling complex known as the hougong, the rear palace.”
The story follows Maomao, a girl raised by an apothecary, who is “kidnapped and sold into service” within the imperial palace. Despite her unassuming appearance, she possesses sharp medical knowledge and deductive skills. Her abilities draw the attention of Jinshi, the head eunuch, who places her close to the Emperor’s favourite consort, tasking her with tasting food for poison.
As Maomao navigates palace life, her investigations uncover secrets within the rear palace, pulling her deeper into intrigue and danger.