Collaboration “Maomao’s Pharmacy University Exploration” Underway
The collaboration between the TV anime The Apothecary Diaries and the three “Advanced Kampo Pharmacy Universities” — Yokohama Pharmacy University, Nihon Pharmacy University, and Daiichi Pharmacy University — is currently running under the title “Maomao’s Pharmacy University Exploration” (猫猫（マオマオ）の薬科大探訪). New university guides featuring newly drawn cover illustrations of the series have begun distribution. Additionally, from July, a second wave of open campus participant gifts will be offered: clear files with exclusive newly drawn illustrations.
“Maomao’s Pharmacy University Exploration”
About the Anime
The Apothecary Diaries is a popular palace mystery entertainment series set in the imperial court, following the story of Maomao, a young girl working as a “poison taster” who solves various difficult incidents. The series has surpassed 45 million copies in cumulative circulation. It is beloved by a wide audience for Maomao’s refreshing heroine qualities, the authentic mystery elements, and the human drama woven into an exotic world. The TV anime celebrated its second anniversary on October 22, 2025, and the production of a third season and the series’ first theatrical film has been announced. The third season is scheduled to air in two split cours starting October 2026, with the film set for release in December of the same year.
The Three Kampo Pharmacy Universities
Yokohama Pharmacy University, Nihon Pharmacy University, and Daiichi Pharmacy University are among the few institutions in Japan that offer a Kampo pharmacy department or course. They provide a curriculum for comprehensive study of Kampo knowledge and aim to train pharmacists well-versed in Kampo. The collaboration aligns with the series’ themes, as Maomao’s curiosity about poisons and medicines matches the educational and research philosophies of these universities. Under the catchphrase “Unravel the mysteries of Kampo, wisdom that transcends time,” the collaboration features various content showcasing Maomao learning about Kampo pharmacy, aiming to spread the depth and fun of Kampo to a wider audience.
Experiential Events at Open Campuses
Maomao’s Pharmacy University ‘Treasure’ Hunt (Photo Spot)
Maomao’s Pharmacy University ‘Herb’ Hunt
At each university’s open campus, a variety of content is available, including a collaborative exhibition “Maomao’s Pharmacy University ‘Treasure’ Hunt” where visitors can see rare medicinal herbs and tools used in compounding that appear in the series, and a puzzle-solving event “Maomao’s Pharmacy University ‘Herb’ Hunt” themed around medicinal herbs. A special video featuring an original story of Maomao visiting the pharmacy university to explore the mysteries of Kampo medicine is also being shown.
Yokohama Pharmacy University University Guide
New university guides with newly drawn cover illustrations have been introduced. From July, the second wave of open campus participant gifts will begin sequentially: clear files featuring exclusive newly drawn illustrations.
Clear file image
Clear file image
Event Details
Fans of The Apothecary Diaries interested in learning about Kampo pharmacy should not miss this opportunity. The collaboration “Maomao’s Pharmacy University Exploration” runs until November 1, 2026.
Period: April 25 (Saturday) – November 1 (Sunday), 2026
Note: Open campus dates vary by university.
Locations:
- Yokohama Pharmacy University (601 Matano-cho, Totsuka-ku, Yokohama, 245-0066)
- Nihon Pharmacy University, Saitama Campus (10281 Komuro, Ina-machi, Kitaadachi-gun, Saitama, 362-0806)
- Daiichi Pharmacy University (22-1 Tamagawa-cho, Minami-ku, Fukuoka, 815-8511)
University Guides: The covers of each university’s guide feature newly drawn illustrations. One copy per person, while supplies last.
Second Wave Participant Gift: Clear file with newly drawn illustration. One per person, while supplies last. Distribution start dates:
- Yokohama Pharmacy University: July 5 (Sunday)
- Nihon Pharmacy University, Saitama Campus: July 19 (Sunday)
- Nihon Pharmacy University, Ochanomizu Campus: July 19 (Sunday)
- Daiichi Pharmacy University: July 11 (Saturday)
Please check each university’s website for open campus schedules.
© Hyuuga Natsu, Imagica Infos / “The Apothecary Diaries” Production Committee
