The light novel adaptation that took the anime world by storm, The Apothecary Diaries, is officially coming back for more. Following its breakout debut in late 2023 and a hit second season that wrapped up last July, the series has seen its source material fly off the shelves.
During "The Apothecary Diaries ~Summer Garden Party 2026~," the series' first-ever standalone event held on August 15, it was confirmed that Season 3 of the anime will premiere on October 2, 2026. The announcement also dropped details on a new voice actor and revealed that the opening theme will be performed by the popular band Yorushika.
In Season 3, the stage expands beyond the rear palace into the bustling city streets and even to a neighboring country, promising brand-new trials for Maomao and Jinshi. The story kicks off when Maomao senses something is amiss after finding a "locust" in her breakfast, prompting her to investigate. Meanwhile, Jinshi, now grappling with his true identity and the responsibilities of being the emperor's brother, is plagued by an "omen of impending national disaster."
To make matters worse, rumors begin to spread through the city about a mysterious, captivating fairy, casting another ominous shadow over the nation of Li.
The newly released trailer teases this mysterious fairy with an eerie smile, hints at the looming catastrophe, and features characters like Lahan and Luosun attempting to pique Maomao's curiosity and draw her deeper into the unfolding events.
The preview closes with a chilling line from the enigmatic Bái Niángniáng: "A medicine that heals the heart and erases worldly suffering." The cryptic message leaves fans buzzing with anticipation for what's to come in the third season.
The mysterious fairy causing a stir among the populace, Bái Niángniáng, who is described as having translucent white skin, white hair, and red eyes, will be voiced by Reina Ueda. Ueda is known for her roles as Reze in Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc, Chinatsu Kano in Blue Box, and Sakuya Sumeragi in Code Geass: Rozé of the Recapture.
"Bái Niángniáng is a mysterious girl whose identity and motives are shrouded in mystery," Ueda commented. "I will approach this elusive character with great care, and I hope everyone looks forward to her actions and the third season!"
The Season 3 opening theme, titled "Kumo wo Nuke Kaze Shita e Watashi dake," will be performed by Yorushika, a band beloved by younger generations for their literary lyrics, guitar-centric sound, and clear, transparent vocals.
Composer n-buna shared his creative process: "As I was living my life and thinking about the concept for my next album, the phrase 'Kumo wo Nuke Kaze Shita e Watashi dake' (Through the Clouds, Downwind, Only Me) kept popping into my head. Nothing but wind blowing across a vast grassland. That wind passes through the clouds and stretches to infinity. The phrase gradually became more concrete in my mind. It was right around then that I received the offer for The Apothecary Diaries. I had a strange feeling of certainty that the music I was creating would have a very interesting chemical reaction with this series."
In addition to Bái Niángniáng, the studio also released new key visuals for 10 important characters:
The "Three Princesses," high-ranking courtesans of the Verdigris House: Pairin, Meimei, and Joka.
Chō U, a survivor of the Shi clan now under Maomao's care.
Basen, Gaoshun's son, who serves as Jinshi's aide and guard.
Lahan, the adopted son of the eccentric strategist Lakan, who has an unusual obsession with numbers.
Luosun, Lakan's adjutant.
After the dramatic events of Season 2, how these characters' stories will intertwine in the new season is one of its most anticipated elements.
But that's not all. The first-ever feature film for the series, The Apothecary Diaries the Movie: The Deceased Empress's Secret Treasure (tentative title), is set to hit theaters on December 11, 2026. This completely new story is based on an original draft by the series' author, Natsu Hyuuga, making it a can't-miss event for fans.
It's a fantastic time to be a fan of The Apothecary Diaries, with Season 3 just around the corner and an original theatrical film on the horizon. Stay tuned for more official updates!
via： X@『薬屋のひとりごと』アニメ公式