Something feels different in the world of The Apothecary Diaries. With Season 2 having closed a major chapter surrounding Maomao, Jinshi and the Shi Clan, the story is no longer standing where fans last left it. Now, as Season 3 approaches its October 2, 2026 premiere, the cast is warning viewers that the atmosphere itself is about to change.

That warning came directly from Jinshi voice actor Takeo Otsuka during ABEMA Anime Festival 2026, where he joined Aoi Yuki and Ryumaru Tachibana to discuss what lies ahead. The new season will not only continue the consequences of Jinshi’s revealed identity, but will introduce new mysteries, unfamiliar characters and a world that could look very different from the one Maomao has known.

The Apothecary Diaries Season 3 is entering a completely different phase

The The Apothecary Diaries cast appeared at ABEMA Anime Festival 2026 on September 20, looking back at the first two seasons while teasing the upcoming third installment.

Otsuka, who voices Jinshi, made it clear that Season 3 will move the story forward after the major conclusion of Season 2.

“The second season brought a major story to a close, so I think everyone had various feelings about that ending. The story will start moving again from the third season, but the atmosphere will be different from before, and I think it will be something interesting in a different way. I’m looking forward to seeing how everyone reacts when they see it.”

That change matters because Season 2 left Maomao and Jinshi in very different circumstances. The Shi Clan conflict reached its conclusion, while Jinshi’s true identity and position became increasingly difficult to hide.

Aoi Yuki, Maomao’s voice actor, also reflected on just how strongly audiences responded to the previous season.

“I felt this strongly during the first season as well, but the response to the second season was even greater, so I’m excited to see what will happen in the third season. In the second season, Jinshi’s true face and his real position were revealed, and his relationship with Maomao also got a little closer, which was exciting. So many things happened in the second season, and we received a lot of support from so many people.”

The mystery surrounding Jinshi is therefore not disappearing. It is becoming one of the forces pushing the story into its next phase.

Anime Farewells Worth Watching: Not every series this season is opening a new chapter — some are closing theirs with real heart. For more, read our story on Goodbye, Lara’s finale delivering a heartwarming Lara and Mari memorial visual after its 12-episode journey.

Jinshi’s true identity changes everything around him

For much of the anime, Jinshi has operated inside the Rear Palace while presenting himself as a eunuch. Season 2 dramatically complicated that image by revealing his true status and position.

Now that he is known as the Emperor’s younger brother, Jinshi cannot simply move through the palace world as the same mysterious official audiences first encountered.

Otsuka explained exactly how that change will affect him:

“Now that Jinshi’s position as the Emperor’s younger brother has become clear, the way people look at him has changed, and his own behavior has to change too. We’ll see how Jinshi feels about that, and the difficulties in his relationships with Maomao and Basen, who are involved in all of this.”

That means Season 3 is not only about external mysteries. Jinshi himself is now dealing with the consequences of a completely different position.

The relationships around him are changing too. Otsuka specifically highlighted Basen, while Tachibana teased that viewers will finally see sides of the character that were previously hidden.

“In the third season, I spend a lot of time with Jinshi, and I find their relationship interesting. The relationship between Maomao and Basen, and the relationship between Jinshi and Basen are also quite interesting.”

Tachibana added:

“In the third season, we’ll see a side of Basen that you didn’t know before, and we’ll also clearly explain why Basen is able to stay by Jinshi’s side, so I hope you’ll enjoy that aspect as well.”

She also warned:

“The work itself is still filled with various mysteries, so I hope you’ll look forward to it.”

Season 3 introduces suspicious new faces

The new season will also push Maomao beyond the familiar palace environment.

Official Season 3 promotional material introduces characters including Lu Sun and the mysterious Bai Niangniang, voiced by Reina Ueda. Both have already become major points of interest in the cast’s comments.

Otsuka specifically singled out Lu Sun:

“Lu Sun is a character who will play a very active role in the third season. Those of you who are familiar with what happens later in the original work may already know this, but Lu Sun hasn’t been a very talkative character until now. However, from now on, you’ll start to see his quirks, or rather, his more-than-peculiar side, so I hope you’ll pay attention to him.”

Bai Niangniang, meanwhile, appears to carry a particularly mysterious presence.

Tachibana said:

“Those who have read the original work will know what Bai Niangniang does, but she is very suspicious. There are some shots in the scenes with Bai Niangniang that give you goosebumps. I think the visual highlights have increased quite a bit thanks to these characters.”

She then returned to Lu Sun with an emphatic tease:

“And then there’s Lu Sun! I just have to say it! I want you to see it soon!”

Yuki also praised Reina Ueda’s performance:

“Reina-chan’s (Reina Ueda, who plays Reina Ueda) performance has an exquisite sense of laughter, and it’s both sacred and sexy. I’ve been listening to her at the recording studio and thinking that she has incredible expressive power. I hope you look forward to her great performance.”

With characters like these entering the story, Maomao’s next mystery may be considerably stranger than what came before.

More Confirmed Comebacks: The Apothecary Diaries isn’t the only fan-favorite getting a confirmed next chapter this fall. Our story on From Old Country Bumpkin to Master Swordsman Season 3 being confirmed, with everything we know after the Season 2 finale covers another exciting renewal.

Maomao is heading back toward the red-light district

Season 3 will not simply repeat the formula of the first two seasons.

Yuki said the latest promotional video shows Maomao returning toward the red-light district and becoming involved in another major mystery.

“No matter how many times I watch it, it gets me excited! It depicts the daily lives of Maomao as they return to the red-light district, and gradually uncovers mysteries as they tackle a big mystery. I think this PV will help those of you who have watched the first and second seasons to truly appreciate that ‘there is no wasted conversation’ in ‘The Apothecary Diaries’.”

The expanding cast is also expected to reveal new sides of Maomao herself.

Yuki explained:

“The situation around her changes so rapidly, and the mysteries she faces keep getting bigger, but Maomao continues to live very freely as herself, and I think that’s what makes her so appealing.”

She continued:

“One point to watch out for is that the more new characters are introduced, the more expressions Maomao shows us, so even though she’s grounded, you’ll think, ‘Oh, she has this side to her too.’ I think the interactions with Luo Ban in particular are interesting because they’re both quick-witted and talkative, and it’s a new kind of Maomao we haven’t seen before.”

Yuki also wants fans to enjoy Maomao’s interactions with the newcomers and familiar characters, particularly Jinshi.

Season 3 release schedule and confirmed anime details

The immediate date for fans is October 2, 2026, when Season 3 begins broadcasting in Japan.

Detail	Confirmed information
Season 3 premiere	October 2, 2026
Broadcast time	Fridays at 11 p.m. JST
Japanese broadcaster	Nippon Television’s FRIDAY ANIME NIGHT block
Structure	Split two-cour production
Second cour	April 2027
Animation studio	OLM
Director	Akira Futsuka
Series composition	Norihiro Naganuma
Opening theme	Yorushika’s “Kumo wo Nuke Kazeshita e Watashi Dake.”

The first cour will air every Friday at 11 p.m. JST on Nippon Television’s FRIDAY ANIME NIGHT block, with nationwide simultaneous broadcasting across the network. Streaming services will follow after the television broadcast.

The exact total episode count has not been officially announced, so estimates claiming a specific number of episodes should not be treated as confirmed.

The main cast includes Aoi Yuki as Maomao, Takeo Otsuka as Jinshi, Katsuyuki Konishi as Gaoshun, Ryumaru Tachibana as Basen, Toshiyuki Toyonaga as Luo Ban, Koki Uchiyama as Lu Sun and Reina Ueda as Bai Niangniang, alongside several other returning and new performers.

Crunchyroll has confirmed that it will stream Season 3 as it airs in the Indian subcontinent, North America, Central and South America, Europe, Africa, Oceania, the Middle East and CIS regions. Crunchyroll has also announced Season 3 among its Fall 2026 English dub lineup, although the English dub launch timing remains listed as to be announced.

The anime’s first theatrical film is coming in December

The Season 3 rollout is only one part of the franchise’s huge upcoming period.

The first theatrical anime film, ‘The Apothecary Diaries: The Secret of the Dead Empress’, is scheduled to open in Japan on December 11, 2026.

The film features an all-new story with original author Natsu Hyuga responsible for the story concept. It is directed by Norihiro Naganuma, who directed the first television season.

The cast has already suggested that the movie will bring a larger visual and action-focused experience.

Yuki said:

“It’s a film that I hope you’ll enjoy on the big screen. The content is really made to be heard on a big screen and with those big speakers. Maomao doesn’t do that much action, but I hope you’ll look forward to it (laughs).”

Tachibana responded:

“Speaking of action, it’s amazing!”

Yuki followed:

“Amazing! Super Basen!”

Tachibana then described her reaction during recording:

“I was really surprised! When I was doing the voice recording for it, I had a feeling that Basen was strong, but he was so far beyond what I could have imagined, I was like, ‘Who are you!?’ (laughs). The animation and direction are so amazing that you really think that.”

Otsuka also teased the movie’s new characters:

“The new characters appearing in the theatrical version, drawn by Natsu Hyuga, are definitely worth paying attention to. Norihiro Naganuma, who directed the first season, is directing the theatrical version, and he’s put a lot of effort into the direction. It’s clear from what I’ve heard beforehand that it’s still very much in the style of ‘The Apothecary Diaries,’ and that they’re working on it with a strong theme in mind.”

He added:

“There’s not much I can say yet, so I hope you’ll look forward to further announcements and come see it in theaters.”

The franchise is expanding beyond Season 3

The recording sessions themselves have also apparently become a challenge as the story grows.

Otsuka pointed out that the dialogue and performances can be demanding because of the different ways the characters speak. Yuki joked that by Season 3, she had become accustomed to the workload.

“But now that we’ve reached the third season, I’ve gotten pretty used to the sheer volume of work (laughs).”

She continued:

“I was almost in tears during the first and second seasons (laughs), but by the third season, I was like, ‘Bring it on!’ Also, from around the latter half of the second season, Jinshi has taken on quite a role as a storyteller. In that sense, the more characters that play an active role there are, the more I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. But even so, it’s still difficult. How to make it pleasant for listeners to enjoy is more of a challenge than a challenge, I guess. I think it’s also something I enjoy.”

Beyond the anime and movie, the franchise has surpassed 57 million copies in circulation, according to the official and industry reporting surrounding the franchise.

The anime’s first season aired from October 2023 to March 2024, followed by Season 2 from January to July 2025.

Crunchyroll also announced in September that a live-action adaptation is in development for 2028, giving the franchise another major project beyond its animated releases.

That leaves fans with three different versions of the story and world to follow across the coming years: the split-cour Season 3, the original theatrical story and the upcoming live-action adaptation.

Maomao and Jinshi’s next chapter is only beginning

For now, the biggest mystery remains what exactly this new atmosphere will mean for Maomao and Jinshi.

The second season closed one major storyline. Season 3 begins with Jinshi facing the consequences of his true identity, Maomao returning toward the red-light district, Basen receiving greater attention and new figures such as Lu Sun and Bai Niangniang entering the story.

Otsuka summed up the coming stretch of the franchise:

“From this year to next year, a whirlwind of ‘The Apothecary Diaries’ will begin. Along with that, I think there will be various developments, so I hope everyone will continue to enjoy every aspect of it.”

He continued:

“The third season is just around the corner. And once you’ve finished watching the third season, the movie will be starting soon. So, I would be grateful if you would continue to give your enthusiastic support to ‘The Apothecary Diaries’ this year, next year, and beyond.”

Yuki likewise told fans:

“There are so many exciting developments waiting for you that will live up to your expectations, so we hope you’ll look forward to Season 3 and the movie.”

With October 2, 2026 now approaching, The Apothecary Diaries is moving beyond the turning point that defined its second season. The mystery is expanding, Jinshi’s world has changed, and Maomao is stepping into circumstances that promise unfamiliar faces and new questions.

The biggest change may not simply be what happens next to Maomao and Jinshi. It may be the atmosphere surrounding their entire world.

Unexpected Revivals Landing on Streaming: Beloved characters returning in bold new forms isn’t limited to anime this season. Read our story on Darkwing Duck returning to Disney+ with Mark Hamill as Drake Mallard in a wild new alternate-world adventure for more.

Disclaimer

This article has been prepared based on thorough research of the sources provided in the original reference material, including the official The Apothecary Diaries anime portal, official Season 3 announcements and staff information, MANTANWEB, ABEMA, Crunchyroll, TOHO and Square Enix. The article reflects information available as of September 25, 2026 and does not imply independent verification beyond what those provided sources and the supplied verified material support.

The exact Season 3 episode count and some details of its adaptation range have not been officially disclosed and should not be treated as confirmed.

Sources

• The Apothecary Diaries official anime portal
• Official Season 3 announcement, key visual and broadcast details
• Official Season 3 staff and cast information
• MANTANWEB: Aoi Yuki, Takeo Otsuka and Ryumaru Tachibana discuss Season 3
• ABEMA: ABEMA Anime Festival 2026 Season 3 stage report
• Crunchyroll: The Apothecary Diaries Season 3 premiere and trailer details
• Crunchyroll: Fall 2026 anime lineup and streaming availability
• Crunchyroll: Fall 2026 English dub lineup
• TOHO: Season 3 and theatrical film production announcement
• Square Enix: The Apothecary Diaries anime and film information

Featured Image Credit: TOHO Animation / Official Key Visual