In this post, we take a closer look at the current status of the series “Kusuriya no Hitorigoto”, also known by the following titles:
- The Apothecary Diaries
- 薬屋のひとりごと
- The Pharmacists Monologue
- Drugstore Soliloquy
Status#
Based on our analysis, the series is NOT FINISHED. ❌
Here’s how we reached that conclusion:
- Some related entries are still listed as ongoing on MyAnimeList
- The series is listed as not ended on Trakt
- The original source material has not been fully adapted, according to MangaUpdates
Taken together, these points indicate that Kusuriya no Hitorigoto is still ongoing in some form.
Watch order#
Kusuriya no Hitorigoto ↗ ↖
薬屋のひとりごと
Summary
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: J-Novel Club)
Background
Kusuriya no Hitorigoto has been published digitally in English as The Apothecary Diaries by J-Novel Club since February 14, 2021, and in print by Square Enix since May 14, 2024.
Kusuriya no Hitorigoto ↗ ↖
薬屋のひとりごと
Summary
In a certain imperial court, it has been a few months since a 17-year-old girl known as Maomao was kidnapped and forced to work as a low-level servant at the emperor's palace. Still, she manages to retain her curious and pragmatic spirit, planning to work until her years of servitude are over. One day, however, she catches wind of the fact that the emperor's two infants have fallen gravely ill. She decides to secretly take action, drawing on her experience as a pharmacist raised in the poor red-light district.Despite Maomao’s attempts to remain anonymous, she soon catches the eye of Jinshi, an influential eunuch who recognizes her talents. Maomao soon finds herself in the emperor’s inner court, where she gradually makes a name for herself by utilizing her knowledge and eccentric personality to solve various medical mysteries.
[Written by MAL Rewrite]
Background
Kusuriya no Hitorigoto has been published in English as The Apothecary Diaries by Square Enix since December 8, 2020. It has also been published digitally by Square Enix through Manga UP! The series has also been released in Polish by Studio JG since April 23, 2021.
Kusuriya no Hitorigoto: Maomao no Koukyuu Nazotoki Techou ↗ ↖
The Apothecary Diaries: Maomaos Notes from the Inner Palace
Summary
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: J-Novel Club)
Kusuriya no Hitorigoto ↗ ↖
薬屋のひとりごと
Summary
Maomao, an apothecary's daughter, has been plucked from her peaceful life and sold to the lowest echelons of the imperial court. Now merely a maid, Maomao settles into her new mundane life and hides her extensive knowledge of medicine in order to avoid any unwanted attention.Not long after Maomao’s arrival, the emperor’s infant children inexplicably begin to experience grave symptoms—almost as if a curse has been cast. The curious Maomao easily solves the mystery and, to remain out of the limelight, attempts to leave an anonymous tip. Unfortunately, the dashing and perceptive eunuch Jinshi sees through it and manages to single her out.
In recognition of her talent, Maomao is promoted to lady-in-waiting for the emperor’s favorite concubine, Gyokuyou. As Maomao continues to remedy the numerous ailments afflicting the imperial court, her pharmaceutical expertise quickly proves indispensable.
[Written by MAL Rewrite]
Background
Kusuriya no Hitorigoto was released on Blu-ray in four volumes from January 24, 2024, to July 17, 2024.
Kusuriya no Hitorigoto 2nd Season ↗ ↖
薬屋のひとりごと 第2期
Summary
Using her wit and vast knowledge of medicines and poisons alike, Maomao played a pivotal role in solving a series of mysteries and conspiracies that plagued the imperial court. Having recently come to terms with the secrets of her parents, she returns to fulfill her normal duties on behalf of the emperor's highest-ranking consorts. Maomao also works alongside the eunuch Jinshi to better the consorts' many ladies-in-waiting, including helping them learn to read.However, with the arrival of a merchant caravan comes a new wave of intrigue. A pattern of strange coincidences involving the visitors and their wares unsettles Maomao, driving her to investigate the puzzling circumstances behind the convoy. As dangers from both outside and within threaten the balance between the imperial concubines, Maomao continues to utilize her cunning and medical expertise to keep the women safe from harm.
[Written by MAL Rewrite]
Background
Kusuriya no Hitorigoto 2nd Season aired on Nippon TV's Friday Anime Night block. It was released on Blu-ray in four volumes by Toho from April 16, 2025, to October 15, 2025. The series adapts the third and fourth volume of the light novel.
Kusuriya no Hitorigoto Gaiden: Xiaolan Kaisouroku ↗ ↖
薬屋のひとりごと外伝 小蘭回想録
Summary
The main story is retold from Xiaolan's perspective.Background
Kusuriya no Hitorigoto Gaiden: Xiaolan Kaisouroku has been published digitally in English as The Apothecary Diaries: Xiaolan's Story by Square Enix through Manga UP!
Kusuriya no Hitorigoto 3rd Season ↗ ↖
薬屋のひとりごと 第3期
Summary
Third season of Kusuriya no Hitorigoto.
Kusuriya no Hitorigoto Movie ↗ ↖
劇場版 薬屋のひとりごと
Summary
Original Kusuriya no Hitorigoto movie.
Kusuriya no Hitorigoto 3rd Season Part 2 ↗ ↖
薬屋のひとりごと 第3期 第2クール