Crunchyroll Acquire 'The Apothecary Diaries: The Late Lady's Treasure'.

Since its debut in 2023, The Apothecary Diaries has become one of anime's biggest hits. Based on the light novel series, the series takes place in an unnamed fictional country based on Ancient China. Maomao, a young girl obsessed with poisons and medicines, is kidnapped and sold to the Imperial Palace. After uncovering the cause behind the Emperor's children's mysterious illness, she finds herself solving medical mysteries all around the palace. The 2023 series was followed by a second season in 2025 that went on to win several Crunchyroll Anime Awards. The third season began airing, and streaming on Crunchyroll in October 2026. It had been announced this year would also see the first Apothecary Diaries feature film. This week, Crunchyroll have announced that they have picked up the rights to bring the film to cinemas.

Crunchyroll has acquired the North American and worldwide theatrical rights (excluding Asia, but including India) to The Apothecary Diaries: The Late Lady’s Treasure. Crunchyroll and Sony Pictures Entertainment will distribute the film, with dates and territories to be announced at a later date. The film will be released in Japan on December 11. The rights will almost certainly include streaming rights, so the movie should also be available on Crunchyroll at some point in the future.

The Late Lady's Treasure is a new original story from series creator Hyuganatsu. It sees Maomao and handsome eunuch Jinshi leave the palace for a bustling port city plagued by pirates. The film is directed by Norihiro Naganuma, who was also the director of the series and the Ancient Magus Bride. Animation is produced by Toho Animation Studios.

Official Synopsis

The curtains rise on a new mystery surrounding a secret treasure hidden in a city on the water.

The emperor gives Jinshi an order. He must grant the final wish of a concubine who passed away five years ago by returning her to her homeland.

In order to return her to her family, Jinshi examines the remains, only to discover that they’re in pristine condition. She’s beautiful, as if she were still alive.

To solve the mystery of the remains, Jinshi drags Maomao along on a journey to Binan-shu, the southern province ruled by the Bi clan.

They arrive at a bustling city on the water. Maomao is excited to see herbs and medicines she has never seen before, but tensions are high in the area, as pirates are viciously trying to find the treasure their late leader hid away.

“I hope nothing happens...”

Jinshi’s premonition comes true. On the day of the concubine’s funeral, a huge incident occurs, triggering a chain of events that nobody could see coming.

The Apothecary Diaries seasons 1-3 are available to stream on Crunchyroll. 

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