The tension in The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 continues to mount as Maomao finds herself entangled in a dangerous web of intrigue. In recent episodes, the resourceful apothecary and her ally Kyogu infiltrated a warehouse, uncovering a stockpile of the deadly “Feifa” explosives—weapons previously used in an attack on Jinshi during a hunting expedition. Their discovery led to a confrontation with the cold-hearted Shenmei, resulting in their capture and confinement in a heavily guarded “fortress.” As the story barrels toward its climax, fans will have to wait a bit longer for the next chapter: Episode 23 (Episode 47, overall), originally slated for June 20, 2025, has been delayed due to a special ABEMA broadcast taking its place.
According to an announcement made on May 29, 2025, via the official X account for The Apothecary Diaries, the episode’s airing has been postponed to make way for a “Climax Prelude Special” on ABEMA. This 90-minute exclusive program is set to air on June 20, 2025, at 10:30 PM JST and will feature a stellar lineup of voice actors, including Aoi Yuuki (Maomao), Takao Otsuka (Jinshi), Asami Seto (Shisui), and Kaori Nazuka (Suirei). The special will offer fans a chance to reflect on the second season’s journey so far, diving into key moments and building anticipation for the series’ dramatic conclusion. To further engage viewers, ABEMA will host a full-series marathon starting the following day, allowing fans to catch up on all episodes—including the latest—for free over the course of a week.
This isn’t the first scheduling hiccup for The Apothecary Diaries Season 2. Earlier in the season, Episode 19 (Episode 43, overall), titled Fortress, faced a delay due to programming conflicts, pushing its air date to May 23, 2025. That episode introduced Shenmei, voiced by Rica Fukami, whose chilling performance as the ruthless antagonist added a new layer of suspense to Maomao’s predicament. Fukami’s casting was a highlight for the series, with Shenmei’s eerie presence amplifying the stakes as the story progresses toward its climactic finale.
What is The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 about?
The Apothecary Diaries began as a light novel series penned by Natsu Hyūga and illustrated by Touko Shino, first serialized online in 2011 on Shōsetsuka ni Narō, a user-generated novel publishing platform. The series gained significant traction, leading to its acquisition by Shufunotomo, which published it as a single-volume novel in 2012 before re-releasing it as a light novel series in 2014. Set in a fictional empire inspired by Imperial China, the story has since expanded into multiple manga adaptations and, most recently, a critically acclaimed anime. By November 2023, the franchise had over 27 million copies in circulation, a testament to its widespread popularity.
Season 2 of The Apothecary Diaries, which premiered on January 10, 2025, on Nippon TV’s Friday Anime Night block, continues to follow Maomao, a young apothecary who was kidnapped and sold into servitude at the emperor’s palace. Using her extensive knowledge of herbs and poisons, Maomao unravels medical mysteries and navigates the treacherous politics of the rear palace. This season delves deeper into her relationship with Jinshi, a high-ranking eunuch, while introducing new threats like Shenmei and the mysterious “Feifa” weapons. The narrative blends historical drama with character-driven storytelling, keeping viewers on edge as Maomao faces increasingly perilous challenges.
You can watch the official trailer for the 2nd cour of The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 below:
For those eager to catch up, The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 is streaming globally on Crunchyroll, with both subbed and dubbed versions available for international audiences. The ABEMA special and subsequent marathon provide a perfect opportunity to dive into this captivating series as it approaches its thrilling conclusion.
