Japan’s major media outlet Shukan Bunshun (Weekly Bunshun) has reported that the popular light novel series “The Apothecary Diaries” (Japanese Name: Kusriya No Hitorigoto) is getting a live-action film Adaptation, with actress Mana Ashida (21) reportedly cast in the lead role of Mao Mao. The news was revealed through Bunshun’s digital edition published on December 3.
According to the report, the production has also decided on the actor for Jinshi, the main male character from the original series, to be played by a “second-generation actor”. Further details are expected in the print edition of Bunshun releasing on December 4. The adaptation will also include a Taiga-drama actor in a supporting role, and the screenplay is reportedly handled by a writer known for previous NHK morning dramas.
Currently, no official announcement has been made by the publisher or production committee. However, due to Weekly Bunshun’s history of accurately reporting major entertainment developments ahead of public confirmation, the information has gained widespread attention on Japanese social media platforms, where the live-action discussion reached trending status.
Fan reactions appear mixed, initially expressing concern regarding another live-action adaptation, followed by cautious support after the rumoured casting of Ashida.
Industry insiders quoted by Bunshun describe Ashida as a fitting choice for Mao Mao’s curious and fearless personality:
“Mao Mao is the type who aggressively experiments with herbs and poisons, sometimes on her own body. Ashida’s discipline, reading over 100 books annually, and her acting range make her perfect for the role.“
The print version of Bunshun, releasing on December 4, will reportedly include: The actor playing Jinshi, the Major supporting cast, including a Taiga drama actor, scriptwriter details, and the inside stories from Ashida’s former school senior.
Whether celebrated or controversial, a live-action adaptation of The Apothecary Diaries will undoubtedly become one of the biggest entertainment stories of 2026. With its strong world-building and mystery-drama foundation and proper execution, the film could open the series to a much broader audience. Bookmark Otaku Mantra for more amazing updates!
About The Apothecary Diaries
The Apothecary Diaries (Japanese Name: Kusuriya no Hitorigoto) is a Japanese light novel written by Natsu Hyuga and illustrated by Touko Shino. This manga was first serialized in the user-generated online publishing website “Shousetsuka ni Narou” (Let’s Become a Novelist!) in 2011. During the same year, this light novel was acquired by Shufunotomo and published this series as a novel (Single Volume) in 2012 and later published this series as a light novel series in 2014.
This light novel later received 2 Manga Adaptations in 2017. The first manga adaptation was illustrated by Nekokurage (who is sentenced to 10 months in prison for tax evasion) and was serialized in Square Enix’s Monthly Big Gangan. The second manga adaptation is named “Kusuriya no Hitorigoto: Maomao no Koukyuu Nazotoki Techou“, which was illustrated by Kurata Minoji and was serialized in Shogakukan’s Monthly Sunday Gene-X.
This light novel later got an anime adaptation in October 2023, produced by OLM and Toho Animation Studio. This anime series also received a second season, which was released in January 2025! Reportedly, this light novel series is also getting a live-action Film Adaptation!
J-Novel Club has licensed this manga in North America in English and describes its plot as:
“In the East is a land ruled by an emperor, whose consorts and serving women live in a sprawling complex known as the hougong, the rear palace. Maomao, an unassuming girl raised in an unassuming town by her apothecary father, never imagined the rear palace would have anything to do with her—until she was kidnapped and sold into service there. Though she looks ordinary, Maomao has a quick wit, a sharp mind, and an extensive knowledge of medicine. That’s her secret, until she encounters a resident of the palace at least as perceptive as she is: the head eunuch, Jinshi. He sees through Maomao’s façade and makes her a lady-in-waiting to none other than the Emperor’s favorite consort… so she can taste the lady’s food for poison! At her lady’s side, Maomao starts to learn about everything that goes on in the rear palace—not all of it seemly. Can she ever lead a quiet life, or will her powers of deduction and insatiable curiosity bring her ever more adventures, and ever more dangers?“
Source: Weekly Bunshun
One Response
thank you for the information, I’m excited for this movie