A special bookstore fair linked to the first large-scale original exhibition for The Apothecary Diaries is now underway at 47 bookstores, primarily in the Greater Tokyo area. Customers who purchase volumes of the original light novel receive a random “kirie-style card” featuring Maomao or Jinshi, along with a discount ticket for the exhibition.
The exhibition, titled “Novel ‘The Apothecary Diaries’ Original Exhibition: Poison and Medicine, Science and Mystery,” is a deep dive into the world of the original novels, created to celebrate the 11th anniversary of the series’ publication. It explores the story through the lenses of poison, medicine, science, and mystery, featuring newly written episodes and behind-the-scenes anecdotes. After its Tokyo run, the exhibition moves to Yokohama starting June 5.
The Apothecary Diaries is a massively popular court mystery entertainment set in the imperial palace. It follows Maomao, a young girl working as a poison taster, as she solves various intricate cases. The series has surpassed 45 million copies in circulation. The first TV anime season aired from October 2023 to March 2024, followed by a second season from January to July 2025, both ranking high on streaming platforms. A third TV anime season is set to premiere in October 2026, with a theatrical film slated for December 2026.
At the bookstore fair, the eligible items are the original novel volumes 1 through 16. For each purchased volume, customers receive one randomly selected “kirie-style card” (designs available: Maomao or Jinshi) and a 300-yen discount coupon for the Yokohama venue of the exhibition. The coupon can be used toward same-day admission tickets or purchases of goods totaling 3,000 yen or more. The fair began on May 22 and is available while supplies last at each store.
Bookstore Fair Overview
- Period: From May 22, 2026 (start dates may vary by store)
- Participating stores: 47 bookstores mainly in the Greater Tokyo area
- Eligible items: The Apothecary Diaries novels volumes 1–16 (author: Hyuuga Natsu, illustrator: Shino Touko, published by Imagica Infos / distributed by Shufunotomo)
- Novelty (1): Kirie-style card (random from 2 designs: Maomao or Jinshi, one per purchased volume while supplies last)
- Novelty (2): Discount coupon (300 yen off) for the Yokohama exhibition venue – usable for same-day tickets or goods purchases of 3,000 yen or more (one per transaction, one per person, not valid for advance tickets)
Exhibition Details (Yokohama Venue)
- Dates: June 5 (Fri) – June 21 (Sun), 2026
- Hours: 11:00–19:00 (last entry 18:30)
- Venue: Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse, Building 1, 2F (1-1 Shinko, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa)
- Access: 6 min walk from Minatomirai Line “Bashamichi” or “Nihon-odori” stations; 15 min walk from JR/Municipal Subway “Sakuragicho” or “Kannai” stations
- Organizer: Tohan Corporation, with cooperation from Imagica Infos, ADK Emotions, and ADK Creative One
© Hyuuga Natsu / Imagica Infos / Illustration: Shino Touko / Background: Studio Encounter
