The acclaimed mystery drama The Apothecary Diaries (Kusuriya no Hitorigoto) continues its reign as one of anime’s most refined storytelling experiences.
The official announcement confirms both a third TV season and a full-length movie adaptation, set to release between 2026–2027 — making this one of the most ambitious continuation projects in modern anime.
What We Know So Far
- Season 3: Two cours scheduled for October 2026 and April 2027
- Movie: Releasing December 2026
- Original Story: Written directly by Natsu Hyuuga, the creator of the light novel
- Production: Managed by Imagica Infos
Fans Are Curious About the “Original Story” Movie
The biggest buzz around the announcement comes from the reveal that the movie will feature a completely original story penned by author Natsu Hyuuga herself.
Fans are debating what direction the plot could take — will it dive into Maomao’s past, expand on her relationship with Jinshi, or explore a stand-alone imperial mystery?
Many believe Hyuuga might use the film to uncover untold corners of the world that never made it into the novels.
The idea of the creator writing a new, non-adapted story has left fans intrigued — and a little anxious — about what secrets the film could reveal.
Fans React Online
The community’s excitement flooded Reddit and X (Twitter), mixing humor, hype, and long-term loyalty for the series:
“Yes. October 2026 may feel far away for some, but trust me, it’s peanuts. We’re basically getting Apo Diaries every year now.”
“I’m gonna wipe this from my memory so I don’t think about it for the next year.”
“I’d rather see a movie based on LN7, but a 2-cour continuation makes sense — it fits the story perfectly.”
Many fans praised the consistency of production and the fact that the studio is giving attention to proper pacing and storytelling rather than rushing new arcs. For long-time viewers, the upcoming movie feels like a “thank you” from the creators — a rare gesture in the anime world.
24K Take
The Apothecary Diaries has evolved beyond a mystery anime — it’s become a celebration of sharp writing, subtle character work, and unmatched visual direction.
The confirmation of both a two-cours season and an author-penned movie suggests that Imagica Infos and Natsu Hyuuga are confident in the franchise’s longevity.
With elegant storytelling and cultural richness, Kusuriya no Hitorigoto continues to bridge the gap between historical intrigue and emotional storytelling — and it’s showing no signs of slowing down.