2026 is by far the most exciting year for The Apothecary Diaries fans, with more updates and releases than ever. Written by Hyลซganatsu, it is one of the biggest franchises in recent years, as the light novel and manga volumes have over 45 million copies in circulation. One of the things that appeals to fans the most is the historical setting thatโs rich in culture and artistic visuals. The characters don gorgeous robes to accentuate their appearance, befitting of their status. Additionally, the architecture and setting are reminiscent of ancient China, which led many to believe that the story is set during that era.
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The series reached new heights of popularity after its anime debut in 2023. The anime concluded its second season last year before confirming its third season and the feature film adaptation for 2026. Additionally, the franchise also released its first game adaptation, The Apothecary Diaries Palace Chronicles, this year.
3) The Apothecary Diaries Palace Chronicles
Whether itโs the palace drama or the mysteries, fans can now experience it all in the first simulation game based on the beloved series. The Apothecary Diaries Palace Chroniclesย is a new project from CTW, a video game company that specializes in browser games based on beloved anime. The game runs directly in a web browser, so thereโs no need for installation. Additionally, itโs easily accessible on any device, including smartphones, tablets, and PCs. Fans can raise Maomao and solve various mysteries and incidents that occur in the imperial court and the pleasure district.
The game allows cooperative play where players can collect and grow medicinal herbs while working with others. Apart from the central characters such as Maomao and Jinshi, the game includes 35 characters from the story, including Gaoshun, Loulan, Gyokuyou, and more. Itโs currently only available via the Japanese platform, G123, but the game will soon be making its global debut. Announced in July 2025, the game was finally released on June 12th, 2026, in Japan.
2) The Apothecary Diaries Season 3
Shortly after the second seasonโs conclusion last year, the anime confirmed the third season will be released into two cours. The third season will return with its first cour in October as part of the Fall 2026 lineup, while the second part is scheduled for Spring 2027. While the anime has yet to reveal an official trailer for Season 3,ย the announcement teaser confirms the storyย will take place in the Northern farming villages, where major trouble is brewing.
Since Season 2 wrapped up the events of the light novel’s fourth volume, the first cour of Season 3 is expected to adapt the fifth volume. Ever since the rebellion of the Shi Clan failed terribly, Jinshi has abandoned his fake identity as a eunuch. He is now officially fulfilling his duties as a member of the royal family and continues to actively fulfill his role as the Moon Prince and handle the aftermath of the Shi Clanโs ruin. In Season 3, he will learn about the problems in the farming villages and seek Maomaoโs help to discover the reason behind the mysterious events.
1) The Apothecary Diaries Feature Film
The first feature film of the anime was announced alongside Season 3. It was already confirmed that the film will be released in December this year, and now the series has finally shared more details on the upcoming project.ย The official websiteย shared new character designs, a teaser trailer, and the key visual to hype up the upcoming release. While the film will hit the Japanese theatres on December 11th, 2026, there has been no announcement on an international release yet.
We can expect updates on the theatrical release or the streaming dates next year. As shown in the teaser, the story centers around Jinshi and Maomao trying to unravel the mysterious death of a mid-ranking concubine that happened five years ago. Her remains are finally being sent to her home, but several questions about her remain unanswered. However, after learning that the circumstances during her death were far from ordinary, Jinshi once again sought Maomaoโs help.
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