The collaboration event between the TV anime The Apothecary Diaries and Tokyo City View, titled “舞が織りなす幻想の世界 ―天空に響く、舞のしらべ―” (The World of Dance Woven by Fantasy — The Sound of Dance Resounding in the Sky), is currently underway. One month into its run, the event has drawn enthusiastic responses from visitors, with many praising the way the atmosphere shifts depending on the time of day.
The Apothecary Diaries is a popular palace mystery series that follows Maomao, a young girl working as a poison taster in the imperial court, as she solves various incidents. With over 57 million copies in circulation, the series has captivated audiences with its sharp heroine, intricate mysteries, and richly detailed world. The TV anime aired its first season from October 2023 to March 2024, and its second from January to July 2025. A third season is set to begin on October 2, and the highly anticipated film, The Apothecary Diaries: The Secret of the Departed Empress, is scheduled for release on December 11.
One of the event’s biggest draws is how the experience changes with the time of day. During the day, visitors can enjoy the bright Tokyo skyline; at dusk, the sky turns a warm crimson; and at night, the glittering city lights create a completely different mood. Attendees have commented, “I want to come back at a different time” and “You can enjoy a different atmosphere during the day and at night.”
The event also offers plenty of opportunities for “oshi-katsu” (fan activities). Visitors can bring their favorite plushies and goods to pose with the displays, or take photos against the backdrop of the anime’s world and Tokyo’s scenery. A photo spot recreating the striking scene of the moon goddess Diana has also been set up, and around September 25—the Mid-Autumn Moon—guests can enjoy the moon in the story alongside the autumn moon visible from Tokyo City View.
At the entrance, the key visual features an autograph by original author Hinata Natsu, a hidden gem for fans to discover. The event also offers a unique audio guide on Spotify, including a mini voice drama featuring Maomao and Jinshi, as well as behind-the-scenes recording commentary from Aoi Yuki (Maomao) and Takeo Otsuka (Jinshi). Some visitors have reported going around the venue three times, discovering new details with each pass.
The finale of the event is a special video themed around the “Loulan Dance,” shown on a three-screen display. The combination of music and visuals creates an immersive experience that draws visitors deep into the story. Since photography is not allowed in this area, it remains a special moment that can only be experienced on-site.
Starting in September, new original merchandise has been added to the lineup, including coasters, mugs, flat tote bags, and big silhouette T-shirts. These items let fans keep their favorite characters close, or serve as memorable souvenirs from the event.
The The Apothecary Diaries × Tokyo City View collaboration event “舞が織りなす幻想の世界 ―天空に響く、舞のしらべ―” offers a unique observatory experience that blends the world of the anime with the ever-changing Tokyo skyline.
(C) Hinata Natsu, Imagica Infos / “The Apothecary Diaries” Production Committee
