TOHO animation has rolled out a fresh character promotional video for the upcoming The Apothecary Diaries film, Kusuriya no Hitorigoto: Bо̄hi no Hihо̄. The clip spotlights two pivotal new characters – the late concubine Ruoqing and her former lady‑in‑waiting Yinshan – and confirms the voice talent that will bring them to life.
Miyuki Sawashiro is set to voice Ruoqing, a mid‑level courtesan who perished five years ago within the Emperor’s inner palace. In the film’s plot, her lingering wish is for her remains to be returned to her native land a half‑decade after her death.
Ai Mikami will portray Yinshan, Ruoqing’s ex‑lady‑in‑waiting who now serves Mu Qing and works as a general servant for the Bi clan. The new video gives fans a glimpse of their designs and personalities, deepening intrigue around the film’s original story.
The cinematic narrative, penned by series creator Hyuganatsu, follows protagonists Maomao and the head eunuch Jinshi on a journey to the hometown of the deceased concubine. Their mission to repatriate her remains draws them into a web of pirates, hidden treasure, a mysterious boy, and the secret of the Empress’s own remains.
Additional cast members have also been disclosed. Mariya Ise will voice Bi clan scion Mu Qing, while veteran actor Nobuo Tobita assumes the role of clan patriarch Birō. Kumiko Watanabe is cast as Birō’s wife Shūu, and Hirofumi Nojima will play the eldest son Bisen.
From the pirate faction, Kenshō Ono takes on Kajadan river leader Suija, with Ryōta Takeuchi as his subordinate Eishō, and Jirō Saitō portraying the late former Kajadan chief Kaja.
The film is scheduled to hit Japanese theaters on December 11, 2026. Crunchyroll announced it has secured worldwide distribution rights (outside of Asia, though India is included). The streaming giant, alongside Sony Pictures Entertainment, will later reveal specific release windows for North America and other territories.
For context, the television adaptation of The Apothecary Diaries began airing its first season in October 2023, covering two cours and streaming simultaneously on Crunchyroll with an English dub. The second season launched in January 2025, also spanning two cours and receiving both subtitled and dubbed streams. A third season is already on the books, premiering its first cour on October 2, 2026, with a second cour slated for April 2027.
The franchise’s roots trace back to an online novel that Hyuganatsu first posted on the “Shōsetsuka ni Narō” platform in 2011. The story was later collected by Shufunotomo in print form with illustrations by Touko Shino starting in 2014. A manga adaptation by Nekokurage began serialization in Square Enix’s Monthly Big Gangan in 2017, and English translations are being handled by Square Enix Manga & Books. A separate manga by Minoji Kurata, titled The Apothecary Diaries: Maomao’s Notes on the Inner Palace, is released by Viz Media.
Fans eager for more visual material can visit the official film page on the series website, which hosts character bios and additional artwork (Ruoqing, Yinshan). The site also posted the full promotional video and news release (official announcement).
With seasoned voice actors like Sawashiro and Mikami joining the roster, the upcoming movie promises to expand the world of Maomao and Jinshi while delivering fresh intrigue tied to the imperial harem’s hidden past. As the release date approaches, further details on the film’s musical score, additional cast, and international premiere dates are expected to surface.
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