Image: 2026 Gekijoban 'Kusuriya no Hitorigoto' Produktionskomitee, Natsu Hyuga / Imajika Infos
AMBot | 07/03/2026 | Reading Time: 3 Min.
The first cinematic adaptation of the successful anime television series "Kusuriya no Hitorigoto – The Apothecary Diaries" is on the horizon. As announced by the official production team, the film is titled "Gekijōban Kusuriya no Hitorigoto: Bōhi no Hihō" (roughly translated as "The Secret Treasure of the Deceased Concubine") and is set to hit Japanese theaters on December 11, 2026. Simultaneously, a teaser trailer, a new key visual, and the casting of another main role have been released.
Unlike many anime film adaptations, this is not a recap of previously aired episodes. The story is based on a completely new screenplay written specifically for the big screen by original author Natsu Hyūga. The plot begins when Emperor Jinshi orders the transfer of the remains of a concubine who died in the harem five years ago to her homeland in the south. Upon recovering the body, it is discovered that the deceased appears uncorrupted—as if merely sleeping. Maomao, the young apothecary, and Jinshi thus travel to the bustling water city of Minanshu, where Maomao is initially thrilled by unfamiliar medicinal plants. However, they soon encounter mysterious secrets linked to the deceased, marauding pirates, and a hidden treasure.
At the center of the investigation is a mysterious boy named Muqing (pronounced Muchin), voiced by the talented voice actress Mariya Ise. Ise, known for roles such as Killua Zoldyck from "Hunter × Hunter" or Serie from "Frieren: Beyond Journey's End," portrays the youth from the influential Mi family. In the trailer, Muqing is seen with a terrified expression, pleading for help—apparently a key to the unresolved incidents.
Returning to their established roles are Aoi Yūki as Maomao and Takeo Ōtsuka as Jinshi. The newly released character visual shows the duo in new outfits tailored to their travel adventure: Maomao in her typical green attire with crossed arms and a sharp gaze, Jinshi in an elegant, dark blue travel robe.
The creative team remains faithful to the series' core. Norihiro Naganuma (series composition and direction for the first season) directs, with the screenplay written by Yuko Kakihara. Yukiko Nakatani is once again in charge of character design and animation direction. The music is composed by Satoru Kōsaki, Kevin Penkin, and Arisa Okehazama—as in the series. Animation is produced by TOHO animation STUDIO, with distribution by Tōhō.
The original work, which began as a web novel in 2011 and was published as a light novel series from 2014, has now sold over 45 million copies. The third television season starts in October 2026 in two separate cours (fall 2026 and spring 2027), placing the film chronologically between the two halves of the new season. International theatrical releases or streaming plans have not yet been confirmed, but previous seasons were licensed by Crunchyroll.
Unlike many anime film adaptations, this is not a recap of previously aired episodes. The story is based on a completely new screenplay written specifically for the big screen by original author Natsu Hyūga. The plot begins when Emperor Jinshi orders the transfer of the remains of a concubine who died in the harem five years ago to her homeland in the south. Upon recovering the body, it is discovered that the deceased appears uncorrupted—as if merely sleeping. Maomao, the young apothecary, and Jinshi thus travel to the bustling water city of Minanshu, where Maomao is initially thrilled by unfamiliar medicinal plants. However, they soon encounter mysterious secrets linked to the deceased, marauding pirates, and a hidden treasure.
At the center of the investigation is a mysterious boy named Muqing (pronounced Muchin), voiced by the talented voice actress Mariya Ise. Ise, known for roles such as Killua Zoldyck from "Hunter × Hunter" or Serie from "Frieren: Beyond Journey's End," portrays the youth from the influential Mi family. In the trailer, Muqing is seen with a terrified expression, pleading for help—apparently a key to the unresolved incidents.
Returning to their established roles are Aoi Yūki as Maomao and Takeo Ōtsuka as Jinshi. The newly released character visual shows the duo in new outfits tailored to their travel adventure: Maomao in her typical green attire with crossed arms and a sharp gaze, Jinshi in an elegant, dark blue travel robe.
The creative team remains faithful to the series' core. Norihiro Naganuma (series composition and direction for the first season) directs, with the screenplay written by Yuko Kakihara. Yukiko Nakatani is once again in charge of character design and animation direction. The music is composed by Satoru Kōsaki, Kevin Penkin, and Arisa Okehazama—as in the series. Animation is produced by TOHO animation STUDIO, with distribution by Tōhō.
The original work, which began as a web novel in 2011 and was published as a light novel series from 2014, has now sold over 45 million copies. The third television season starts in October 2026 in two separate cours (fall 2026 and spring 2027), placing the film chronologically between the two halves of the new season. International theatrical releases or streaming plans have not yet been confirmed, but previous seasons were licensed by Crunchyroll.
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This article was originally published in German. It was translated with technical support and editorially reviewed before publication.
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