The Apothecary Diaries film reveals theme song and new visual
The Apothecary Diaries film has revealed its theme song, trailer and key visual ahead of its 11 December Japanese cinema release.
The Apothecary Diaries is moving from television to the big screen with a new mystery, a new theme song and a visual that puts Maomao and Jinshi at the centre of a much larger story. The film, The Apothecary Diaries: The Late Lady’s Treasure, is scheduled to open in Japanese cinemas on 11 December 2026. 1
The newly announced theme is “Haru ga Tomori” by Kenshi Yonezu. The song features in the film’s main trailer, which was released alongside a new key visual and a character relationship chart. The visual shows the returning characters surrounded by a wider ensemble, hinting at a story that expands well beyond the imperial court setting familiar from the anime series. 1
What the film is about
The film follows Jinshi as he investigates the remains of a concubine who died five years earlier. The emperor has ordered him to fulfil her final wish by returning her to her homeland, but the body’s pristine condition raises an uncomfortable question: how could she appear almost untouched after so long?
Jinshi brings Maomao into the investigation, taking them to Binan-shu, a southern province ruled by the Bi clan. The city is built around water, and its herbs, medicines and pirate tensions give the apothecary plenty to investigate before the mystery reaches its inevitable crisis. 1
Norihiro Naganuma directs the film at TOHO Animation STUDIO. The returning franchise is based on the light novels by Natsu Hyuuga and Toko Shino, with Crunchyroll continuing to stream the television series. 1
The film’s international release is confirmed in principle, with Crunchyroll holding North American and international rights outside Asia, including India. Specific overseas dates and ticket information have not been announced yet, so UK viewers should not treat 11 December as a confirmed local release date. 1
Our opinion
The new material points to a film that understands what makes The Apothecary Diaries work: its mysteries are at their best when a seemingly delicate social problem turns into a precise investigation. A secret treasure and a suspiciously preserved body give Maomao and Jinshi a suitably theatrical case, while the move to a water-bound city should provide a fresh setting rather than simply extending the palace corridors.
The key visual is busy, but usefully so. It presents the film as an ensemble mystery with political and criminal pressure around its central pair, rather than as a detached side story. The unresolved international schedule is the only major wrinkle for overseas fans; the film has a clear Japanese date, but Crunchyroll still needs to turn its broad rights announcement into dates and cinemas. Until then, the trailer and visual offer a promising first look, not a complete release plan.