The popular anime series The Apothecary Diaries has announced the addition of Toshiyuki Toyonaga to its cast for the second season. Toyonaga will be voicing the character Lahan, the adopted son of Lakan, and is set to debut in the 42nd episode of the season.
A New Face in the Imperial Court
Toshiyuki Toyonaga, known for his roles in various anime, will be bringing the character of Lahan to life. Lahan is the adopted son of Lakan, a significant figure within the series. The official X/Twitter account for the anime made the announcement, accompanied by a screenshot of Lahan and a headshot of Toshiyuki Toyonaga.
Season 2 Details
The second season of The Apothecary Diaries premiered on January 10, 2025, airing on Nippon TV’s “FRIDAY ANIME NIGHT” programming block. The season is set to run for two consecutive cours (quarters of a year), with the second cours having premiered on April 4.
Where to Watch
Crunchyroll is currently streaming the second season, including an English dub. New subtitled episodes of The Apothecary Diaries arrive on Fridays, with dubbed versions released approximately two weeks later.
Production
The anime is produced by Toho Animation Studio and OLM. For the second season, Akinori Fudesaka has taken over as director, replacing Norihiro Naganuma, who served as the director for the first season but is now the chief director and series screenwriter. Wataru Nakagawa is the assistant director for Season 2. Yukiko Nakatani is in charge of character designs, while Satoru Kōsaki, Kevin Penkin, and Alisa Okehazama are composing the music.
Theme Songs
The first opening theme song of the second season is “Hyakkaryōran” (Splendid Bounty) performed by Lilas Ikuta. The first ending theme song is “Shiawase no Recipe” (The Recipe for Happiness) performed by Dai Hirai. The second opening theme song is “Kusuhiki” (Mysterious) performed by Mrs. Green Apple, while the second ending theme song is “Hitorigoto” (Soliloquy) performed by Omoinotake.
Story Overview
The Apothecary Diaries follows Maomao, the daughter of an apothecary, who is sold into service at the imperial court. Using her knowledge of medicine and poisons, she begins to solve mysteries and gains the attention of Jinshi, a handsome palace official. As Maomao becomes a lady-in-waiting to the emperor’s favorite concubine, Gyokuyou, her expertise becomes invaluable in navigating the intrigues of the imperial court.
Season 2 Plot
In the second season, tensions rise within the imperial palace with Empress Gyokuyou’s pregnancy. New characters and foreign envoys add to the intrigue, leading to a crisis that threatens the entire nation. Maomao faces new challenges, including an attempt on Jinshi’s life and the disappearance of a suspect.
Episode 42
Episode 42, titled “Hōzuki (Chinese Lantern Plant),” focuses on the aftermath of Maomao’s disappearance. As Consort Gyokuyou goes into labor, Luomen assists her. Jinshi learns that a eunuch who disappeared around the same time as Maomao was seen praying at the northern graveyard. It is in this episode that Toshiyuki Toyonaga makes his debut as Lahan.
Cast Additions
Besides Toshiyuki Toyonaga, other new cast members have joined The Apothecary Diaries in season 2. Asami Seto voices the maid Shisui, while Lynn and Yumi Hara play Ayla and Aylin, respectively. Natsumi Fujiwara also joined the cast as Kyō-u.
English Dub Cast
The English dub of The Apothecary Diaries season 2 features a talented cast, including:
- Emi Lo as Maomao
- Kaiji Tang as Jinshi
- Bree Han as Xiaolan
- Monica Piskor as Lingli
- Jim Foronda as Guen
- Alex Hom as Gaoshun
- Molly Zhang as Gyokuyou
- Naya Moreno as Ailan
- Giovannie Cruz as Hongniang
- Monica Rial as Narrator
- Kelly Greenshield as Guiyuan
- Suzie Yeung as Shisui
- Kelsey Cruz as Yinghua
- Alex Mai as Emperor
- Wendy Powell as Madam
- Ciaran Strange as Pairin
- Trina Nishimura as Lihua
- Rebecca Danae as Meimei
- Monica Flatley as Joka
- Reshel Mae as Lishu
Returning Staff
Several staff members from the first season have returned for the second season, including:
- Norihiro Naganuma as chief director and series screenwriter
- Akinori Fudesaka as director
- Yukiko Nakatani as character designer
- Misato Aida as color designer
- Katsumi Takao as background art director
- Mayo Suzuki as compositing director
- Satoru Kosaki, Kevin Penkin, and Alisa Okehazama as music composers
Anime’s Popularity
The Apothecary Diaries has gained a large following since its premiere, with its engaging mysteries, intricate characters, and historical setting. The series is based on the light novel series written by Natsu Hyūga and illustrated by Touko Shino. The light novel series originated online and was later published by Shufunotomo.
The anime has been adapted into two manga series and is licensed in North America by J-Novel Club and Square Enix.
With the addition of Toshiyuki Toyonaga and the continuing storyline, season 2 promises more intrigue and mystery for fans of The Apothecary Diaries.
