Kusuriya no Hitorigoto: Yuki Aoi & Ootsuka Takeo Choose Their “Best ○○” Scenes!? BD Release Commemorative Event Report

Yakusha no Hitorigoto Season 2 Blu-ray Release Event: A Fan Gathering

On December 14, 2025, the TV anime Yakusha no Hitorigoto (also known as The Apothecary Diaries) hosted the “Yakusha no Hitorigoto Season 2 Blu-ray Release Commemoration Event” at Animate Ikebukuro Main Store in Tokyo. The event featured stage appearances by Yuuki Aoi, the voice of Maomao, and Ootsuka Takeo, the voice of Jinshi, who looked back on the charms of the series.

The venue was packed with 200 passionate Yakusha fans who had purchased the Season 2 Blu-ray Volume 4 and were selected by lottery. Fans adorned with Yakusha goods, some even dressed in Maomao’s bound costume, filled the place with excitement even before the start. When Yuuki and Ootsuka took the stage, calls of “Maomao~!” and “Jinshi-sama~!” erupted from the audience, wrapping the event in a warm atmosphere as it began.

Reflecting on Season 2’s Impact

When asked about the response to Season 2’s broadcast, Yuuki Aoi said, “Of course, the original work is interesting, but as an anime, it’s also made very carefully, so I thought it would reach many people. However, the反响 exceeded expectations, and I’ve received many messages from people who discovered and fell in love with it through the anime, which made me really happy.”

Ootsuka Takeo added, “Before Season 2 started airing, I heard that Season 1 was ranking on streaming platforms, so there was anticipation even before broadcast. Once it actually started, it was incredible—relatives and friends told me they were watching, and I even got Jinshi stamps in messages, among other reactions. Even after the broadcast ended, at events like this, the staff would tell us about awards or data, so I feel it more deeply.” He shared the 2025 response to Yakusha.

Exciting Announcements: Season 3 and Movie

When asked about the Season 3 and movie announcement made in late October, Yuuki expressed her excitement: “Up to Season 2, the staff lovingly created the anime with how to express the original work, but the movie is a completely new story written by the original author, Hyuuga Natsu-sensei, with the anime in mind. We don’t know the具体内容 yet, but I’m very looking forward to what mysteries await Maomao.”

Ootsuka chimed in: “In October 2026, the first cour of Season 3, in December the movie, and in April 2027 the second cour—we can enjoy Yakusha continuously! It’s amazing. Hints for the sequels are scattered in the sequel announcement PV, so I hope everyone examines that. Also, the visual released when Season 3 and the movie were announced is said to focus on the movie’s story. From Maomao’s expression and the flickering flames, please speculate on that too!” He shared the unique ways to enjoy the series.

Best Scenes Corner: Fan Favorites

The stage then moved to the “Best Scenes” corner, where Yuuki and Ootsuka presented their favorite scenes based on themes, looking back on Seasons 1 and 2.

Best Maomao Scene

For the first scene [Best Maomao], Ootsuka chose the scene from Episode 4 “Intimidation” where Maomao admonishes Rika’s maid. He explained, “There are many impactful episodes in Season 2, but I chose this because it was the first impactful scene from Season 1. It showed Maomao’s sense of justice for the first time, and it was an episode that strongly印象付ける her actions afterwards. In terms of anime direction, I really like how the movements were carefully depicted.”

Yuuki selected the scene from Episode 45 “Toad Basin” where Maomao calls Shinobi “kuso babaa” to protect Kyou. She said, “If left alone, it wouldn’t be Maomao who’d be punished, but her sense of justice couldn’t allow it. Shinobi, who was about to take it out on the weaker Kyou, was absolutely unforgivable from Maomao’s perspective. Although Maomao instinctively felt fear towards Shinobi, her stance to confront her was heroic and left a strong impression.”

Best Sexy Scene

The second scene was [Best Sexy Scene], highlighting Jinshi’s most memorable sexy moments. When this theme was announced, the venue erupted in laughter. Yuuki chose the scene from Episode 17 “City Stroll” where they try to disguise Jinshi to go out. She reasoned, “It’s a sexy that leaks out unconsciously, not intentionally. Surrounded by people like Koushun and Suiren who take care of Jinshi and are trusted, he’s relaxed and shows his age-appropriate appearance, which adds to his allure.” Female attendees nodded in agreement.

Yuuki added, “I think Jinshi’s cleanliness is part of his popularity, but even when he’s sexy, that cleanliness is maintained, which is good. He single-handedly担当 the sexy role in this series.”

Ootsuka, who plays Jinshi, chose the scene from Episode 36 “Flower Moon” where Maomao realizes Jinshi isn’t a eunuch, known among fans as the “frog scene.” When asked why, he said, “If the scene Yuuki-san chose is indirect, this one is direct. The reason it has to be considered sexy is that on a certain video-sharing SNS, it apparently got banned… So, that’s how it’s perceived…” The venue heated up.

Yuuki responded, “From their perspective, it’s just catching a falling cat! But maybe the SNS side said ‘No good!’ It’s a sensitive SNS.” But when a slide showed the blushing Jinshi, she exclaimed, “Ootsuka-san! This is! It’s indecent!!!!” Ootsuka retorted, “Who chose this slide?!” leading to big laughter from the crowd.

Best Overall Scene

The third scene was [Best Scene]. Ootsuka selected the scene from Episode 44 “Fortress” where Rohan bows to Jinshi to deploy the禁軍. “My favorite is Rohan, and this series gave me goosebumps. It’s very weighty drama, and the camera work, animation, and the acting by Rohan’s voice actor, Kiriomoto Takuya-san, are all excellent. I often have recording sessions with Kiriomoto-san, and there’s always intense pressure that stimulates me.”

Yuuki commented, “In Season 2, political depictions increased, but it made me deeply feel that politics happens for people’s lives. Political scenes can be hard to watch, but here, the交叉 of politics and the desire to protect loved ones is clear. But even though it’s such a cool scene, Maomao didn’t see it at all, laugh.”

Yuuki chose the scene from Episode 48 “Beginning” where, after the battle with the子 clan, Maomao tells Jinshi, who has a scar on his face, “You’ve become more handsome, haven’t you?” She explained, “This scene encapsulates why everyone admires the relationship between Maomao and Jinshi. Jinshi’s complex stems from being recognized only for his appearance and birth, so he’s always been intrigued by Maomao, who first saw his inner self. Maomao,平凡 in appearance and birth but非凡 inside, saying ‘the scar makes you more handsome’ holds special meaning for Jinshi. I feel their love finally started a little here, laugh. The earnest Jinshi and down-to-earth Maomao—their partnership feels best because they’re both gritty.” She reflected on Season 2 Episode 48.

Fan Q&A and Closing Messages

The day also included a Q&A corner with questions from attendees, where Yuuki and Ootsuka enjoyed interacting with fans. In their final messages, Ootsuka said, “Looking back like this, I realized anew how many highlights this work has, and I want to watch it again and again. We’ve received so much response, and I’ve strongly felt its popularity this year. There are various developments to come, so please enjoy them. Let’s meet again at events!”

Yuuki added, “Among all the events so far, this one made me feel closest to everyone. I’m very happy to be involved in a work so beloved. We cast members will continue to act carefully and strive to make you love the work even more. Please look forward to Season 3 and the movie!” With that, the event ended on a high note.

Event and Anime Details

Here are the details of the event and the anime series:

Anime Series Overview

© Hyuuga Natsu・Imagica Infos / “Yakusha no Hitorigoto” Production Committee

Writer: Nakase Koutarou

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