“Kusuriya no Hitorigoto”: Even Grandma is a Fan! Does She Also Know “SPY FAMILY” and “That Anime Where You Become a Slime”?!
In an era where “anime fan” doesn’t necessarily equal “otaku,” we explore the reality of how people of all ages enjoy anime.
The popular series Kusuriya no Hitorigoto, based on a light novel, has truly expanded its reach through various media mix initiatives. This includes an anime adaptation, manga serialization, an escape game, and even collaborations with Universal Studios Japan.
The TV anime’s second season aired from January 2025 and concluded in July of the same year, with a sequel already greenlit for production. There’s no doubt that it’s one of the most talked-about anime right now, but just how widespread is its popularity?
For instance, an event at Universal Studios Japan would naturally attract many young people looking to enjoy the theme park itself. Being able to meet Jinshi-sama and Maomao while immersing oneself in the world of the series is a perfect example of modern “oshi-katsu” (fandom activities).
A Surprising Discovery at Grandma’s House!
While imagining this diverse fanbase, I happened to visit my grandmother’s house and made an unexpected discovery: manga volumes of Kusuriya no Hitorigoto! Surprised to find such an ardent fan so close to home, I decided to ask my grandmother about her newfound hobby.
“I got hooked after watching the anime, and then I found the manga at a bookstore and started collecting them,” she explained, pulling out not just one, but a stack of existing volumes. Looking back, my grandmother has always been a “book lover” with a fondness for manga and novels. When she used to read Neko Punch, I simply assumed she was reading cat manga because she liked cats. Little did I know, her affection for “cats” would extend to a character named Maomao!
“Maomao is so cute, isn’t she? She’s so smart and solves mysteries one after another!”
“Right, right! Jinshi-sama is also very popular with women,” I added.
“Ah, Jinshi-sama is handsome too. And the exotic world setting is fascinating to watch.”
“It’s like an ancient China-inspired country, and the buildings are incredibly elaborate and detailed, making you just stare at them, don’t they?”
“Exactly! The visuals are so beautiful. The imperial court is the stage, with empresses and military officials, and so many intertwined characters. With all the hierarchies and succession issues, there are always new incidents unfolding.”
It makes perfect sense that the mystery-rich storyline would appeal to my grandmother, who not only appreciates engaging characters but also used to devour mystery novels by authors like Akagawa Jiro. Furthermore, she previously worked for a pharmaceutical company, so perhaps this is some kind of “destiny.”
Grandma’s Anime Habits
“By the way, how did you start watching the anime?” I asked.
“I often just idly watch late-night anime. Besides Kusuriya, I also watched ‘the one where you reincarnate and become a slime,’ and SPY FAMILY too.”
It turns out my grandmother watches quite a few other anime series! However, it wasn’t so much that she was a huge anime enthusiast, but rather that she would watch TV between 11 PM and midnight before bed, and anime just happened to be what was on. It felt more like a casual viewing habit than dedicated fandom.
These days, many viewers prefer streaming services to catch up on episodes the next day or binge-watch an entire season rather than watching live TV broadcasts. However, for older demographics who are more accustomed to traditional television, the time slot after prime time seems to be an unexpected opportunity to discover anime.
It was a heartwarming yet complex experience; I was thrilled to share a hobby beyond mere small talk with my grandmother, but also hoped she wouldn’t stay up too late!
《Suicide Momo》
