The monthly visual project “MaoMao, Jinshi, and the Four Seasons” (猫猫、壬氏と巡る四季) for the TV anime Kusuriya no Hitorigoto has released its May installment, themed around Japanese irises (花菖蒲). The new artwork features Jinshi (壬氏) and Gaoshun (高順) walking through the rain in the imperial court, with elegant irises blooming in the foreground.
The project, which began in July 2024, delivers a brand-new seasonal illustration on the 22nd of each month—dubbed “MaoMao Day” (猫猫の日). After completing a full year in June 2025, it returned for a second chapter due to popular demand.
This May visual captures a quiet moment in the palace: Jinshi gazes at the irises as he and Gaoshun pause by a bridge. The official website is offering PC and smartphone wallpapers based on the illustration.
Staff Credits for the May Visual
- Original Drawing: Takahashi Atsuko
- Animation Director: Nakaya Yukiko
- Color Design: Okazaki Nanako
- Finishing: Mizuno Aiko
- Background: NHAT QUANG, Iwasaki Akane
- Photography & Special Effects: Takeyama Atsushi
To celebrate the release, the official X (formerly Twitter) account is running a follow-and-retweet campaign. Five winners will receive a card featuring the new visual. Entries are open until an unspecified date.
Upcoming Events and Series Updates
On May 28 at 19:00 JST, general tickets go on sale for the first-ever series event, “TV Anime Kusuriya no Hitorigoto Special Event ~Summer Garden Party 2026~.” The event will be held on August 15, 2026 at Pacifico Yokohama National Hall, with two performances. Cast members include Aoi Yuuki (MaoMao), Takeo Ootsuka (Jinshi), Katsuyuki Konishi (Gaoshun), and more. Tickets are first-come, first-served, with a resale lottery available later.
The TV anime Kusuriya no Hitorigoto Season 3 is set to air in October 2026, split into two cours (first cour October 2026, second cour April 2027). A theatrical film is also scheduled for December 2026.
Staff for the series: Original story by Natsu Hyuuga (Hero Bunko / Imagica Infos), original character designs by Shino Touko. Season 3 directed by Hanaoka Akinori, produced by OLM. Film directed by Naganuma Norihiro, produced by TOHO animation STUDIO, distributed by Toho.
© Natsu Hyuuga, Imagica Infos / Kusuriya no Hitorigoto Production Committee
