TOHO Animation released a fresh character trailer for Kusuriya no Hitorigoto: Bо̄hi no Hihо̄, the upcoming theatrical sequel to the hit series The Apothecary Diaries. The short spot zeroes in on the enigmatic Kajadan river pirates, a group that will play a pivotal role in the film’s original storyline penned by series creator Hyuganatsu and illustrated by Touko Shino.
Meet the Kajadan Leaders
The video introduces three key figures: the current head Suija, his steadfast subordinate Eishō, and the late founder Kaja. Each character receives a voice‑over credit, confirming the talent that will bring them to life on screen.
Kenshō Ono (Kenshō Ono) is cast as Suija, the present leader of the Kajadan who is on a personal quest to locate the treasure his father, Kaja, left behind. Suija’s motivation is hinted at in the trailer, where he speaks of “recovering the legacy that was lost.”
Ryōta Takeuchi (Ryōta Takeuchi) voices Eishō, Suija’s loyal aide. The trailer shows Eishō standing beside Suija on a riverbank, underscoring his role as the steadfast right‑hand man.
Jirō Saitō (Jirō Saitō) portrays Kaja, the former Kajadan chief whose death a year prior set the stage for the hidden‑treasure mystery. Though Kaja appears only in flashback silhouettes, his presence looms large over the plot.
Visuals for New Characters
Alongside the voiced trio, the film’s website released a striking visual for Seisei, Suija’s older sister and Kaja’s daughter. While her voice actor remains unannounced, the artwork gives fans a glimpse of her aristocratic bearing and hints at a possible alliance—or rivalry—with her brother.
The trailer also teases a mysterious boy who holds a secret key to the story, as well as the broader journey of series protagonists Maomao and Jinshi. Their mission this time: escort the remains of a deceased concubine back to her homeland, only to stumble upon pirates, concealed riches, and the truth behind the Empress’s burial site.
Film Details and Additional Cast
Set to open in Japanese theaters on December 11, 2026, the film will feature a brand‑new narrative crafted by Hyuganatsu. Returning voice talent includes Mariya Ise as the Bi‑clan son Mu Qing, Nobuo Tobita as clan head Birō, Kumiko Watanabe as Birō’s wife Shūu, and Hirofumi Nojima as the eldest son Bisen.
Crunchyroll announced it has secured North American and worldwide distribution rights (excluding Asia, but including India). A precise release date for the international market will be disclosed later by Crunchyroll and Sony Pictures Entertainment.
Context Within the Series
The film arrives amid a thriving multimedia rollout. The third TV season of The Apothecary Diaries premiered on October 2, 2026, occupying NTV’s “Friday Anime Night” slot. The series’ first season debuted in October 2023, followed by a second season in January 2025, each spanning two cours and streamed with English dubs on Crunchyroll.
Beyond the anime, the franchise began as a web novel on Shōsetsuka ni Narō in 2011, later published in print by Shufunotomo, with a manga adaptation running in Square Enix’s Monthly Big Gangan since 2017. English releases are handled by Square Enix Manga & Books and Viz Media, ensuring the story’s continued growth across formats.
Fans can expect tomorrow’s release of another character video focusing on Ruo Qing and Yi Shan, expanding the roster of voices tied to the film’s intricate plot.
For more on the series’ development, see the original film announcement and the initial anime adaptation news.
Featured image: © 日向夏・イマジカインフォス／「薬屋のひとりごと」製作委員会
Source: Anime News Network