Nine months after a report claimed that The Apothecary Diaries was getting a live-action adaptation with Mana Ashida as Maomao, the news has finally been officially confirmed. Prime Video has officially announced a live-action series adaptation of The Apothecary Diaries (Japanese Name: Kusuriya no Hitorigoto), with Ashida set to play the series’ main character, Maomao:
The live-action series is scheduled to stream worldwide in 2028, exclusively on Amazon Prime Video.
The announcement was made through Prime Video’s official social media account, confirming that the hugely popular series will be brought to live action as a Prime Original drama.
The official announcement describes the story as:
Set in a fictional empire’s rear palace, the series follows Maomao, a pharmacist raised in the pleasure district, who uses her extensive knowledge of medicine and sharp powers of observation to solve mysteries and uncover conspiracies taking place within the imperial palace.
This is particularly interesting for Otaku Mantra readers because Mana Ashida’s casting was actually reported months before the official announcement.
Back in December 2025, Shukan Bunshun (Weekly Bunshun) reported that Ashida would play Maomao in the rumored live-action adaptation. At the time, neither the publisher nor the production committee had officially confirmed the project.
Now, nine months later, that report has turned out to be accurate.
The live-action adaptation is being produced through a collaboration between TOHO and Amazon MGM Studios, bringing together the companies that have already been involved with the anime adaptation of the franchise.
The production team has reportedly gone all-in on recreating the world of the Rear Palace.
According to the official information, the series will feature large-scale sets, detailed costumes, extensive visual effects, and elaborate production design. Filming took place over approximately six months, with the production focusing heavily on recreating the atmosphere of the fictional imperial palace.
The result can already be seen in the first teaser visual released for the live-action series.
The visual shows Mana Ashida as Maomao, standing confidently while holding a handkerchief. Interestingly, her eyes are deliberately hidden in the image, creating a mysterious first impression of the character.
Ashida is no stranger to the world of The Apothecary Diaries either. The actress herself is reportedly a fan of the original light novel, making her casting as Maomao even more interesting.
Mana Ashida Is Maomao
Mana Ashida will take on the role of Maomao, the brilliant young pharmacist at the center of The Apothecary Diaries.
Maomao may appear like an ordinary girl at first, but her extensive knowledge of medicine and poisons, combined with her extraordinary observational skills, repeatedly pulls her into the mysteries surrounding the Rear Palace.
Ashida shared her excitement about joining the adaptation, revealing that she was already a fan of the original novels.
“I was originally a huge fan of the original novel, so while there were many moments when I felt nervous about being involved in a work I love, I spent the filming period pouring my whole heart into Maomao and the series alongside the cast and staff, who carefully considered every detail while respecting the original work.”
She also said that there were many moments during filming when her own feelings as a fan came rushing back.
“There were many moments while acting when my feelings as a fan stirred, and I couldn’t stop my heart from racing. I would be very happy if I could share this excitement with both fans of the original work and people discovering it for the first time.”
The Original Author Is Happy With Mana Ashida’s Casting
Natsu Hyūga, the author of The Apothecary Diaries, also commented on the live-action adaptation.
Hyūga admitted that the story had come a long way from its original novel and noted that a novel and live-action production are ultimately different forms of storytelling.
However, the author was particularly confident about Ashida taking the role of Maomao.
“When Ashida-san was chosen to play Maomao, I thought, ‘Ah, I can leave this in her hands with confidence,’ and when I actually met her, I thought, ‘That’s Maomao!’”
Hyūga also visited the filming location several times and praised the production’s elaborate sets and costumes.
The author specifically mentioned the amount of attention given to the script, props, hair and makeup, etiquette, and even the characters’ walking styles, suggesting that the production has gone to considerable lengths to recreate the world of The Apothecary Diaries.
Hyūga also shared a rather funny story from one of the visits.
While visiting the set with a niece, they happened to encounter the actor playing Jinshi. According to Hyūga, the niece immediately became extremely excited after seeing him.
The author joked that they had to cover their niece’s eyes so that she would not become too accustomed to such a handsome Jinshi.
The Apothecary Diaries Live-Action Has A Strong Production Team
The live-action series is being directed by Yuki Saito, who previously directed Unmet: A Neurosurgeon Who Can’t Do Anything.
The screenplay is being written by Erika Yoshida, known for her work on Tora ni Tsubasa.
The series is being produced by Amazon MGM Studios and TOHO, with TOHO Studios handling the production.
The currently announced staff includes:
Cast: Mana Ashida and others
Original Work: The Apothecary Diaries by Natsu Hyūga
Director: Yuki Saito
Script: Erika Yoshida
Production: Amazon MGM Studios / TOHO
Production Company: TOHO Studios
The remaining cast has not yet been revealed.
Considering that Jinshi is one of the most important characters in Maomao’s story, fans will undoubtedly be waiting to see who has been chosen for the role.
The Apothecary Diaries Live-Action Will Stream Worldwide In 2028
The live-action The Apothecary Diaries series will stream exclusively on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide in 2028.
This also makes the adaptation significantly bigger than a standard Japanese television drama. The series will be released internationally through one of the world’s biggest streaming platforms, giving Maomao’s live-action story a global audience from day one.
The franchise itself has already become a massive international success.
The original series has surpassed 57 million copies in circulation worldwide, including overseas editions. The television anime, which began in 2023, has also become one of the most popular anime adaptations of the light novel.
And now, the story is heading into another medium.
After months of rumors, The Apothecary Diaries live-action adaptation is finally official, with Mana Ashida confirmed as Maomao and a worldwide Prime Video release planned for 2028.
More information, including the rest of the cast and additional details about the series, is expected to be revealed in the future.
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About The Apothecary Diaries
The Apothecary Diaries (Japanese Name: Kusuriya no Hitorigoto) is a Japanese light novel series written by Natsu Hyūga and illustrated by Touko Shino.
The story follows Maomao, a young woman raised in the pleasure district who possesses extensive knowledge of medicine, herbs, and poisons. After being kidnapped and sold into service in the Emperor’s Rear Palace, Maomao attempts to keep a low profile. However, her intelligence and curiosity soon lead her into various mysteries involving the palace’s residents.
The light novel began as a web novel before being acquired by Shufunotomo, which later began publishing it as a light novel series.
The Apothecary Diaries has also received two manga adaptations. The first is illustrated by Nekokurage and serialized in Square Enix’s Monthly Big Gangan. The second, Kusuriya no Hitorigoto: Maomao no Koukyuu Nazotoki Techou, is illustrated by Minoji Kurata and serialized in Shogakukan’s Monthly Sunday Gene-X.
The series received a television anime adaptation in October 2023, produced by OLM and TOHO animation. The anime later received a second season, which premiered in January 2025.
The franchise is now also receiving an official live-action drama adaptation, with Mana Ashida playing Maomao. The series is being produced by TOHO and Amazon MGM Studios and will stream exclusively worldwide on Prime Video in 2028.
Source: X
