When is ‘The Apothecary Diaries Season 3’ coming? Release date updates, cast news and plot details

The Apothecary Diaries Season 3 (Kusuriya no Hitorigoto) will be a split cour anime that will be released in October 2026 (for Part 1) and April 2027 (for Part 2), and additionally include an original idea from the original light novel’s writer, Natsu Hyuuga, released at the theatre in Japan in December 2026.

Both announcements were made on the day after the conclusion of Season 2 and on the 2nd anniversary of the release of the anime ,October 2025. TOHO animation STUDIO and OLM are the producers of this anime with Akinori Fudesaka as the director.

The Apothecary Diaries Season 3: Release date updates

New Light Novel: Season 3 Part 1 – October 2026 (Fall; likely early October following typical anime seasonal release pattern).

New Light Novel: Season 3 Part 2 – April 2027 (Spring).

New Original Anime Movie – December 2026 (Theatrical Release; unrelated to main story arcs from existing light novels).

At this time, there are no official announcements regarding any specific streaming platform (other than expected platforms like Crunchyroll and regional distribution partners including Netflix in some areas) or date but it is expected they would follow previously established patterns with regard to premiere dates and trailers etc.

There will be multiple events creating hype and anticipation for this premiere such as a 2026 summer garden party where new content will be teased and provided create more anticipation.

The Apothecary Diaries Season 3: Cast news

The original cast is anticipated to reprise their roles; however, new character designs and visual representations have already been revealed featuring a summer/outdoor ensemble instead of palace attire.

Confirmed returning voice talents are:

• Aoi Yuki as Maomao
• Takeo Otsuka as Jinshi

Other prospective returning voice actors include: Hina Kino (Lishu), Katsuyuki Konishi (Gaoshun), Kaori Nazuka (Suirei), Misaki Kuno (Xiaolan) plus many additional minor characters from previous seasons as seen in recent updates/drawings. The confirmed voice actors for Maomao and Jinshi have stated they will appear at events but no details have been provided regarding additional voice actors at this time.

The Apothecary Diaries Season 3: Plot details

Season 3 will cover additional storylines from the later volumes of the light novel series and take the story of the characters out of the Rear Palace into new areas, which include the Western Capital, the home of Empress Gyokuyou. Some key things to expect in this new season are as follows:-

• Maomao will go on several expeditions and/or trips for diplomacy and will also solve different political and disease/insect-related mysteries (locusts), uncover family secrets and scandals.
• Jinshi’s backstory and his relationship with Maomao will get even more in-depth (it has been suggested that there will be more romantic/emotional moments between them—according to the author).
• Maomao will be affected by the events of the Shi Clan’s rebellion at the end of Season 2, including the shift in power from the Shi Clan to an unknown clan and new threats to her safety or the safety of the palace/imperial family. Maomao will have difficulty using her medical knowledge outside the palace because of the higher stakes involved.
• The movie will feature an all-new original story created specifically for the film and is separate from Season 3 of the anime.
• The series will continue to blend elements of historical mystery, medical/apothecary intrigue, court politics, and subtle romance in a setting inspired by the Tang and Ming Dynasties.
• There are a number of places you can find new visuals, teasers, or information related to the new season, such as kusuriyanohitorigoto.jp and Crunchyroll News.

Additional details (episode names, cast members, trailers) will begin to be released in 2026. Fans are looking forward to the expanded content and continued quality animation!