The Apothecary Diaries is heading to cinemas. Japan gets the franchise’s first theatrical film on December 11, 2026 — the full title was confirmed today alongside a teaser trailer and the news that this is an entirely original story by the light novel’s own author.
What the Apothecary Diaries Movie Is About
The film’s full title is Gekijouban Kusuriya no Hitorigoto: Boki no Hihou (劇場版 薬屋のひとりごと 亡妃の秘宝) — The Apothecary Diaries: The Secret Treasure of the Deceased Consort. Unlike many anime films that adapt an existing arc, this one is an original story conceived by the franchise’s own light novel author, Natsu Hyuga.
The plot follows Maomao and Jinshi as they travel south to return the remains of a concubine who died in the imperial palace five years earlier to her homeland. They arrive in Minanzhou (未南州), a lively water city, and find themselves tangled up in secrets surrounding the consort’s preserved body, a hidden treasure buried somewhere in the city’s waterways, and a band of water pirates who are very much part of the story. The announcement tagline promises this is the series’ largest mystery yet.
New Character: Muqing, Voiced by Mariya Ise
Aoi Yuki (Maomao) and Takeo Otsuka (Jinshi) both return in their lead roles. Joining them is a new character: Muqing (沐清), a young boy described as holding the key to the mystery at the heart of the film. He is voiced by Mariya Ise, a veteran anime voice actress well known among Singapore fans for her roles as Killua Zoldyck in Hunter x Hunter and Levy McGarden in Fairy Tail. Muqing appears closely tied to the deceased consort’s clan, and the announcement suggests his backstory drives much of the film’s second half.
Director and Creative Team
Norihiro Naganuma — who directed Season 1 and served as chief director on Season 2 — returns to helm the film. That continuity is reassuring. Naganuma has a clear feel for the show’s pacing and its particular blend of sharp comedy, slow-burn mystery and political tension. With the story also penned by Natsu Hyuga herself, this is as canonical as a theatrical film can get.
Season 3 Is Also Coming — October 2026
The movie is not the only thing on the horizon. The Apothecary Diaries Season 3 is confirmed for October 2026, running in two cours (October 2026 and April 2027), with Akinori Fudesaka directing. The story moves beyond the inner palace and broadens into a wider world — early teasers hint at national upheaval and a mysterious shrine maiden. For Singapore fans who followed Seasons 1 and 2 on Crunchyroll, the franchise’s second half of 2026 is shaping up to be very full.
When Can Singapore Watch the Movie?
December 11 is for Japanese cinemas only at this stage. No international theatrical run or streaming date has been announced for Southeast Asia. Both seasons of the TV series are available on Crunchyroll, so a streaming window for the film eventually seems likely — but nothing is confirmed yet. We will update this post as details emerge. In the meantime, browse all our anime and manga coverage on GameTrader for more updates from the season ahead.