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Spoilers Ahead!
Hi everyone, Recently I’ve been watching an anime recently that I have avoided on several occasions. Because the trailer didn’t impress me when I watched it. “The Apothecary Diaries is the name of it.” Well, my choice of anime is a little different, though. I don’t watch a lot of historical stuff or anything that is related to medicine.
However, I thought the trailer’s music selection was appropriate; it was a good one indeed. It appeared to be a mystery-solving story. I could not evaluate based on the trailers, but still, I was not familiar with it when it initially came out. I realized that first season trailer, it wasn’t to my liking.
However, this year in April, I was free and didn’t have anything to do. I felt like watching something that I’d avoid, and I started season 1 of the anime called “The Apothecary Diaries.” I didn’t know they also released season 2 recently. I don’t like to wait for seasons. So, when a new anime comes out, I would wait till their 2nd season. Because it takes me only a few days to finish an anime series if the episodes are not that long.
Let’s move into the anime for now. Well, when I started to watch season 1, I saw the main character, “Maomao.” She is a sharp-witted apothecary and very fast-forward. She is the main protagonist and is not like the other anime characters, where the girl character is always naive and knows nothing and doesn’t know how to take her own stand, but Maomao is an incredible character, in my opinion. Mamao knows how to take her own stand; she is self-independent; she doesn’t need anyone. I love to see this type of bold character; she is the greatest female protagonist that I’ve seen so far. Female protagonists in most anime are weak and do not hold strong personalities; I don’t like to see girls being weak. I want girls to be independent. Maomao is the type of girl who never lets my hopes down. I love her character very much. Mamao is far more intelligent than her age; it always felt like she was a grown-up lady. Her past was painful; that’s the reason she is so strong. However, Maomao’s sarcasm and curiosity have made me like her character the more. Her observing skill makes her an amazing, refreshing lead.
The second character I like the most is “Jinshi.” I feel that he needs more screen time; he is truly a great character, but the story bounds within Maomao only. Mamao and Jinishi’s dynamic is really good. I like the fact that the anime does not force the characters to fall in love out of nowhere. The subtle moments between them makes the anime more attractive to watch because their relationship feels so real.
If I talk about visuals in The Apothecary Diaries, then I’ll be happy to give it a 10 out of 10. The oriental decor is perfect and noticeable. The sets are always detailed and more than what I had expected. Jinshi, Maomao, and other characters are given memorable designs. I am really attracted to the artwork of this anime. The details of kimonos, flowers, and hairpins in this anime are amazing. To be honest I loved every part of this anime. Vibrant colors made it look more beautiful to watch, and it was soothing for my eyes. The directing choice made for the visuals in the anime is mind-blowing.
This anime has changed my point of view on that; I don’t always need action or thriller types of anime to watch. Mystery-solving type of anime is enough to keep me hooked, such as The Apothecary Diaries. Every episode solves a new piece of the puzzle, and it’s unlike typical historical dramas. I’ve watched season 1 in 2 days only, and it was worth it every second. This anime is something else, more than power struggles or romance-related animes. I would say that this anime is well-written, so you might like it more than those flashy action animes.
When I started season 2, I was very excited because when I finished season 1, I really wanted another season. Season 1 was released in 2023, and Season 2 was released in 2025. The trailer is a little bit predictable, but I was not quite sure about it. I really appreciate the hard work of Natsu Hayuuga the Creator of this anime.
In this season I saw how Mamao and Jinshi’s relationship was evolving, and I kind of longed for this kind of development as the anime explored the gradual pace of social progress. The political and scandal types of plots don’t surprise me anymore, but this anime is beyond something else. Even though the series is known for its slow-burn plot, I don’t know how I have liked it this much. Season 2 has not ended yet; there are only 13 episodes at this moment, and I find myself eager for more. I don’t like to wait but I’m still waiting for their new episodes.
THANKS FOR READING 🌷
I've a question for the readers have you watched the anime or not? If you did then what would you rate? And if you didn't then will you watch it?