The Apothecary Diaries the Movie: The Late Lady’s Treasure has revealed its latest trailer and a new key visual ahead of its December 11, 2026 theatrical release in Japan. The new preview also confirms that the film’s theme song will be Kenshi Yonezu’s “Haru ga Tomori” (“Spring Lights”).
The anime previously introduced new characters in separate promotional videos, while you can watch the new trailer below.
The movie is the first theatrical feature in The Apothecary Diaries franchise and features a new mystery written by original series creator. Norihiro Naganuma directs, with TOHO Animation STUDIO handling animation production. Crunchyroll recently announced the acquisition of the North American and worldwide distribution rights for the film.
You can see the new visual below.
It was also announced that Natsu Hyuga will release a novel version of the movie story, titled The Apothecary Diaries: The Late Lady’s Treasure. The book will adapt Hyuga’s own original film plot and will include elements that could not fit into the movie itself. Its first edition will feature a wide obi using the movie’s first key visual.
The official film synopsis reads:
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.
You can also watch the previous trailer for the film:
Natsu Hyuga writes the The Apothecary Diaries light novel, with illustrations by Toko Shino. The series is serialized by Shunfunotomo. The series has 2 manga adaptations, one written by Itsuki Nanao and illustrated by Nekokurage, and one written and illustrated by Minoji Kurata.
J-Novel Club is publishing the novel in English, while Squre Enix is publishing the manga. The story follows Maomao, a young apothecary who ends up getting sold to the emperor’s palace as a lowly servant. She’s not the type of character who can just stay obedient, so she ends up helping Jinshi, the handsome official at the palace.
The franchise recently also announced its first live-action series adaptation, as well as the first console game. The Failure at God School, a manga with story also recently announced an anime adaptation
