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Natsu Hyuga’s The Apothecary Diaries has officially exceeded 45 million copies in circulation. The figure combines sales of the original light novels and both manga versions published by Square Enix and Shogakukan.
The series’ momentum has accelerated sharply over the past two years. When the first TV anime season began airing in late 2023, circulation stood at 24 million. By the end of that season, the total had risen to more than 33 million.
The series crossed the 40 million mark in February 2025 and has now added another five million following the broadcast of Season 2, which ended on July 4, 2025.
With the franchise at its strongest yet, more adaptations are underway. The staff has confirmed that Season 3 of the TV anime will air as a split-cour series, with the first cour set for October 2026 and the second for April 2027. A theatrical film is also scheduled to premiere in December 2026, featuring an entirely new, original story written by Hyuga.
Meanwhile, Square Enix recently released Volume 16 of its manga adaptation alongside the first official side-story collection, The Apothecary Diaries Gaiden: Xiaolan’s Memoirs, on Nov, 25. Volume 16 of the light novel is currently the highest selling light novel volume of 2025 in Japan, having sold approximately 199,976 copies.
Created by Hyuga with illustrations from Touko Shino, The Apothecary Diaries (published by Hero Bunko) began in 2014.
MAL describes the plot as:
Maomao, an apothecary’s daughter, has been plucked from her peaceful life and sold to the lowest echelons of the imperial court. Now merely a maid, Maomao settles into her new mundane life and hides her extensive knowledge of medicine in order to avoid any unwanted attention.
Not long after Maomao’s arrival, the emperor’s infant children inexplicably begin to experience grave symptoms—almost as if a curse has been cast. The curious Maomao easily solves the mystery and, to remain out of the limelight, attempts to leave an anonymous tip. Unfortunately, the dashing and perceptive eunuch Jinshi sees through it and manages to single her out.
In recognition of her talent, Maomao is promoted to lady-in-waiting for the emperor’s favorite concubine, Gyokuyou. As Maomao continues to remedy the numerous ailments afflicting the imperial court, her pharmaceutical expertise quickly proves indispensable.
Source: Oricon
