The second season of The Apothecary Diaries continues to build excitement with the announcement that Toshiyuki Toyonaga will voice the character Kan Lahan. The news, revealed on the anime's official website and X accounts, has sparked enthusiasm among fans eagerly awaiting the introduction of this pivotal character in episode 42, set to air as part of the series’ ongoing run on Nippon TV’s FRIDAY ANIME NIGHT and streamed exclusively on Crunchyroll. This follows the earlier announcement this month that Natsumi Fujiwara will voice Kyō-u, further enriching the series’ ensemble.
Kan Lahan, a figure deeply tied to the intricate backstory of the series’ protagonist, Maomao, is a highly anticipated addition to The Apothecary Diaries Season 2. Known in the light novels and manga for his complex personality and sharp interactions with Maomao, Lahan’s animated debut is expected to be a highlight of the season. The preview images for episode 42, released alongside the casting announcement, have further fueled speculation about how Lahan’s presence will shake up the dynamics of the imperial court.
With the series already lauded for its masterful blend of mystery, drama, and historical intrigue, Lahan’s introduction promises to deepen the narrative. Fans are particularly excited to see how Toyonaga’s performance will bring this layered character to life, given the voice actor’s reputation for delivering nuanced and charismatic performances.
Toshiyuki Toyonaga’s Voice Acting Legacy
Toshiyuki Toyonaga brings a wealth of experience to the role of Lahan, with a career spanning numerous iconic anime series. He is perhaps best known for voicing Yuuri Katsuki, the heartfelt protagonist of Yuri!!! on Ice, where his emotional depth and vulnerability won over audiences worldwide. Toyonaga also lent his voice to Kazuki Kurusu in Buddy Daddies, showcasing his ability to balance charm and intensity.
His recent roles include Airu in Witchy Precure!!: MIRAI DAYS, a new character introduced in the sequel to Witchy Pretty Cure!, and Bennett in Bye Bye, Earth, demonstrating his versatility across genres. Toyonaga’s ability to navigate complex characters makes him an ideal fit for Lahan, whose witty banter and serious moments are expected to be a focal point in The Apothecary Diaries Season 2.
Looking Ahead of The Apothecary Diaries Season 2
The Apothecary Diaries Season 2, which premiered on January 10, 2025, has solidified its status as one of the standout anime of the year. Following Maomao’s adventures in the imperial palace, the series continues to captivate with its sharp writing, intricate plotlines, and richly developed characters. The season, spanning two consecutive cours, has already introduced new cast members such as Asami Seto as Shisui, Lynn as Ayla, and Yumi Hara as Aylin, further enriching the ensemble.
Despite a scheduled delay for Episode 19, set to air on May 23 instead of May 16 due to programming conflicts, the series remains on track to wrap up its 24-episode run in June 2025. Crunchyroll continues to stream the series with both Japanese audio and an English dub, making it accessible to a global audience.
The casting of Toshiyuki Toyonaga as Lahan is a testament to The Apothecary Diaries’ commitment to delivering high-quality performances that elevate its storytelling. As the season progresses, fans can look forward to seeing how Lahan’s introduction intertwines with Maomao’s journey and the broader mysteries of the imperial court. With Toyonaga’s proven track record, Lahan is poised to become a standout addition to this already stellar series.
What is The Apothecary Diaries about?
The Apothecary Diaries (Kusuriya no Hitorigoto) anime is based on the mystery romance light novel series written by Natsu Hyuga and illustrated by Toko Shino. Since 2011, the drama series has been serialized on the Shōsetsuka ni Narō website before it was acquired by Shufunotomo, who initially published it as a novel with a single volume in 2012 and then as a light novel series in 2014.
Crunchyroll's description of The Apothecary Diaries reads:
Maomao lived a peaceful life with her apothecary father. Until one day, she’s sold as a lowly servant to the emperor’s palace. But she wasn’t meant for a compliant life among royalty. So when imperial heirs fall ill, she decides to step in and find a cure! This catches the eye of Jinshi, a handsome palace official who promotes her. Now, she’s making a name for herself solving medical mysteries!
For the latest updates on The Apothecary Diaries Season 2, check out the official website of the anime.
Source: Official X account of The Apothecary Diaries