Daniel Mercer
Though Anime Expo has wrapped up, we have one final Apothecary Diaries cast interview to share. After an exhausting rush from the Peacock Theater to the Los Angeles Convention Center in under ten minutes to catch two essential shonen interviews—yes, I was a sweaty mess—the team at Crunchyroll helped facilitate this interview for one of the decade’s must-see anime through the wonders of email. Please give a round of applause.
For those unfamiliar, The Apothecary Diaries is captivating audiences everywhere. Imagine a world where Columbo is reimagined as a clever and resourceful apothecary girl named Maomao. She possesses a deep knowledge of poisons and finds herself in the inner palace of an Emperor, attending to his concubines. Her role is anything but safe or voluntary. With the dangerous politics of palace life, where concubines are poisoned to elevate status, Maomao is often called upon to uncover the identities of the culprits behind these sinister plots, all while wishing to remain oblivious to the perilous intrigues that surround her as a commoner in a perilous environment.
Adding complexity to the narrative is a striking eunuch named Jinshi, who occasionally acts as the Watson to her Sherlock, while also developing into a slow-burn romantic interest. Together, they delve into the secrets of the Emperor’s palace, gradually unveiling each other’s hidden stories. The series effortlessly blends elements of soap opera, detective mystery, and drama, making it a hit among fans. Its popularity has sparked interest in similar new shows and manga as the audience eagerly anticipates the upcoming third season. This is genuine momentum.
With a third season on the horizon and a feature film in the works, io9 had the opportunity to speak with the Japanese voice actors of Jinshi and Maomao, Takeo Otsuka and Aoi Yūki, about the show’s appeal to anime enthusiasts and the evolving dynamics of their characters’ relationship.
Isaiah Colbert, io9: What aspects of the show captivate you the most: the detective-style puzzles, the romantic tension, or the historical drama setting?
Aoi Yūki: I would argue that the allure comes from the perfect mix of all three elements. The challenge of blending these seemingly disparate themes is executed so well that it creates a world that feels both rich and charming, which I believe is the show’s strongest appeal.
Takeo Otsuka: I agree with Yūki-san’s perspective. I believe that removing any of those key elements would fundamentally alter what The Apothecary Diaries is. The combination of all these facets creates a unique experience. During performances, I notice numerous hints, Easter eggs, setups, and payoffs. While the relationship between Maomao and Jinshi is central, other unique romances also develop, with each character bringing distinct strengths to the table. This holistic approach makes the show feel complete.
io9: Season two gives us a deeper look at the emotional dynamics within the rear palace. Was there a scene this season that changed your understanding of Maomao or Jinshi?
Yūki: Much of the intrigue revolves around the relationships in the palace. Through dialogues and encounters, characters gradually reveal their true selves. This is true for both Maomao and Jinshi. Observing the story unfold and how the mysteries intertwine with human connections reveals much about the nature of their world.
Otsuka: Jinshi often reacts to his environment. His behavior is heavily influenced by the actions of others. In the recording booth, we collaborate with other actors for scene performances. This collaborative dynamic allows me to react authentically to my fellow performers, enhancing Jinshi’s portrayal. The character’s essence emerges through our collective recordings. Without the entire cast, we wouldn’t capture Jinshi’s full character.
io9: Reflecting on your characters’ journeys from the start of the anime to the conclusion of season two, how do you see the evolution of Maomao and Jinshi’s relationship and their mutual understanding now?
Yūki: Maomao grew up with Luomen’s principle that “you shouldn’t speak based on speculation.” However, in season two, she begins to share her thoughts with Jinshi and others, even when those thoughts are still speculative. This shift has solidified the sense of partnership between her and Jinshi.
Otsuka: In season two, Jinshi’s genuine emotions become more apparent in how he reacts to Maomao’s actions. Even during our recording sessions, I noticed a significant increase in the expressiveness of Jinshi’s facial expressions compared to season one.
io9: Season two unveils several long-standing mysteries. Were there any plot twists you anticipated, or did some surprises catch you off guard like the viewers?
Yūki: Upon reflection, there were numerous clues leading back to when Maomao first encountered Shisui. Season two is filled with foreshadowing from the first cour, and then Suirei’s reappearance adds to the surprise of the reveal. While the story seemed to hint at Maomao’s kidnapping, the delivery was crafted in a way that kept it unexpected.
Otsuka: Take, for example, the incident where Jinshi was targeted in the episode “The Hunt.” The series excels at making you forget the clues it plants. As each event unfolds, you don’t realize the connections until much later when the pieces fall into place. This moment of revelation adds to the enjoyment of the series.
io9: The “frog scene” quickly became one of the most discussed moments in season two. What was the recording process like for that scene? How many takes did it take to capture the comedic timing of that moment?
Yūki: You could say it’s the closest thing the series has to a romantic scene, so we all had a great time recording it. (Laughs) A significant part of its success can be attributed to Otsuka-san’s performance.
Otsuka: During that scene, I found myself questioning, “How far can I take this?” I had to think carefully about my performance approach. The scene has moments where tension dissolves, even amidst a serious context, which aligns with the spirit of The Apothecary Diaries. I also viewed it as a culmination of everything that had happened prior.
The Apothecary Diaries is available for streaming on Crunchyroll, Netflix, and Hulu, with a third season in production and a movie on the way.
For more io9 updates, discover the latest on Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe in film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
