The anime Kusuriya no Hitorigoto, also known as The Apothecary Diaries, is set to return with its highly anticipated second season. At a special event celebrating the first anniversary of its premiere, it was announced that the second season will air in two consecutive cours starting January 10, 2025, at 11:00 PM during NTV’s "Friday Anime Night."
Production Staff Changes in Season 2
In this second season, Norihiro Naganuma, known for Mahoutsukai no Yome, will continue as the chief director. However, the main director role will now be filled by Akimi Fudesaka, who was the assistant director in the first season. Fudesaka will be supported by Wataru Nakagawa, who previously served as an episode director for Kusuriya no Hitorigoto.
Another significant change comes in the form of the photography director. Mayo Suzuki, who worked on Rolling☆Girls, will replace Rumi Ishiguro. Meanwhile, the rest of the production staff from the first season will reprise their roles.
Success of the First Season and Novel Background
The first season of the anime adapted Natsu Hyuuga’s medical mystery novel and aired in two consecutive cours starting in fall 2023. The anime received widespread acclaim from fans worldwide. Crunchyroll streamed the anime globally with subtitles, except in Asia, while Netflix streamed it in East and Southeast Asia, excluding China.
Hyuuga began the novel on the Shousetsuka ni Narou website in October 2011, with Shufunotomo later publishing it as a standalone novel in September 2012. In August 2014, the novel was re-released in light novel format under Hero Bunko, with illustrations by Touko Shino. As of now, the 15th volume of the novel was released on March 29, 2024.
The popularity of Kusuriya no Hitorigoto also expanded into the manga world. Monthly Big Gangan began publishing a manga adaptation by Nekokurage in May 2017, with the 14th volume released by Square Enix on September 25. Additionally, Sunday Gene-X serialized a second manga adaptation by Minoji Kurata starting in August 2017, and its 18th volume was released by Shogakukan on March 19.
Internationally, J-Novel Club licensed the light novel for digital release in English in November 2020 and released the 12th volume on October 14, 2024. Square Enix Manga & Books also licensed Nekokurage’s manga adaptation in English since November 2019 and released the 12th volume on September 3.
Conclusion
With its blend of captivating medical mystery storytelling and stunning visuals, Kusuriya no Hitorigoto has captured the hearts of many fans. The upcoming second season is expected to continue the success of the first and offer an unforgettable viewing experience for its audience.
Source: MyAnimeList.