Kusuriya no Hitorigoto Live-Action Drama Announced, Ashida Mana to Star as Maomao

The popular light novel series Kusuriya no Hitorigoto (The Apothecary Diaries) is officially getting a live-action drama adaptation. The series will be produced as a Prime Original drama by Prime Video and Toho, and will stream exclusively in over 240 countries and regions in 2028. It has also been revealed that actress Ashida Mana will take on the role of the protagonist Maomao, with a teaser visual released alongside the announcement.

Story and Background

Written by Hyuuga Natsu, the series is published under Imagica Infos’ Hero Bunko imprint and has surpassed 57 million copies in cumulative worldwide sales. The story is set in the imperial court of a fictional empire, following Maomao, a pharmacist raised in the pleasure district, who uses her knowledge of medicine and sharp observational skills to unravel mysteries and conspiracies. The TV anime adaptation, which began airing in 2023, has also gained popularity worldwide.

Production Details

The live-action drama is a joint production between Toho, which has been behind the anime series, and Amazon MGM Studios. Toho, known for large-scale live-action films such as Godzilla Minus One, and Prime Video, with its simultaneous streaming reach across 240+ countries, have come together to bring the grand world of the imperial court to life. The production reportedly involved six months of filming on a large-scale set that fully recreates the court, with a focus on achieving the highest standards in art, costumes, and VFX.

Cast and Character

Ashida Mana, who has been active in film and television since childhood, will play Maomao. She gained attention for her role in the 2010 drama Mother, made her lead debut in Marumo no Okite (2011), and made her Hollywood debut in Pacific Rim (2013). More recently, she has won awards for her performances in Metamorphose no Engawa (2022), Saikyou no Kyoushi (2023), and Hataraku Saibou (2024).

Teaser Visual

The teaser visual, which was released with the announcement, deliberately does not show Maomao’s eyes, instead focusing on her tightly closed mouth and a handkerchief in her hand, creating a composed and striking image. Fans of the original work will likely recall a famous scene from the early part of the story.

Comments from the Cast and Staff

Ashida Mana (Maomao)

I have always been a big fan of the original novel, so there was a lot of nervousness about being involved with a work I love so much. But together with the cast and staff, who respected the original and worked with me on every detail, I feel we packed all our love for Maomao and the story into the filming period. There were many moments while acting when my feelings as a fan surged and my heart wouldn’t stop pounding. I would be very happy if I could share this excitement with both fans of the original and those experiencing it for the first time. I hope you look forward to the release.

Hyuuga Natsu (Original Author)

We’ve come a long way with this live-action adaptation. It’s so far removed, and since novels and live-action are different things, I thought the best approach was to leave it to the professionals. I am grateful to everyone involved in the production for doing such wonderful work. When I heard that Ashida Mana would play Maomao, I thought, “Ah, I can trust this.” When I actually met her, I thought, “That’s Maomao!” I also visited the filming set a few times and, seeing the incredibly luxurious sets and costumes, I couldn’t help but think about how much it must have cost. The script, props, hair and makeup, and even the instruction in court etiquette and walking—everything shows careful attention. I believe the finished work will satisfy everyone. As a side note, when I brought my niece to the set, the actor playing Jinshi was there, and my niece was smiling a lot. I quietly covered her eyes, thinking she would get too picky. He’s a real Jinshi.

Buddy Marini (Head of Amazon MGM Studios Japan)

Set in the glamorous and dangerous world of the imperial court, this story follows a young woman who solves mysteries with her knowledge of pharmacology. The combination of mystery and realistic human drama has captivated people across genres and around the world. I am confident that we can deliver a new visual experience unique to live-action, whether you love the original or are discovering it for the first time. Please look forward to this work, created together with Toho.

Usui Hisashi (Executive Officer, Toho Entertainment Unit Film Division / Film Planning)

With the story loved around the world by Hyuuga Natsu, the unique presence of Ashida Mana as Maomao, the passion of director Saito Yuki and screenwriter Yoshida Erika and all the staff, and the uncompromising vision of Amazon MGM Studios, we have come this far. Toho can make things other than Godzilla too (laughs). Please look forward to the world of the imperial court, carefully crafted by the finest film industry staff, and the performances of the upcoming cast.

Overview