The popular Apothecary Diaries franchise is set to broaden its horizons with a brand new manga spinoff centered around the fan-favorite character, Xiaolan. The Apothecary Diaries: Xiaolan’s Memoirs launched on March 23, 2025, offering a fresh perspective on the events within the Imperial Palace.
Xiaolan’s Story Takes Center Stage in New Manga Spinoff
Square Enix’s Monthly Big Gangan magazine announced the serialization of The Apothecary Diaries: Xiaolan’s Memoirs on the MangaUP platform. This marks the very first spinoff in the series, focusing on the perspective of Maomao’s close friend, Xiaolan.
Creative Team
The spinoff is penned by Natsu Hyuga, the original light novel author, and illustrated by Itsuki Nanao, who is also responsible for the composition of The Apothecary Diaries manga adaptation alongside artist Nekokurage.
Launch Details
The manga spinoff officially launched on March 23, 2025. To commemorate the launch, a special announcement visual and drawings were released.
Who is Xiaolan?
Xiaolan is a cheerful and gossipy maidservant working within the Imperial Palace. She is known for being a close friend to Maomao, often providing her with valuable information gathered through palace gossip.
Character Background
Xiaolan began her service in the harem at the same time as Maomao. Despite being sold into service by her impoverished farming family, she maintains a positive outlook. After serving for two years, Xiaolan left the harem and later secured a position with a lower-ranking consort, leading to a more stable future at the consort’s family estate.
Role in the Main Story
Xiaolan is one of Maomao’s few close friends. Even after Maomao’s rise to become a palace attendant, their friendship remains strong, with both women supporting each other by exchanging rumors and information within the harem. She is portrayed as a talkative and spirited individual with a love for gossip and sweets.
The Apothecary Diaries: A Thriving Franchise
The Apothecary Diaries began as a Japanese light novel series written by Natsu Hyuga and illustrated by Touko Shino.
Light Novel
Natsu Hyūga began serializing the original story on the “Shōsetsuka ni Narō” (Let’s Become Novelists) website in October 2011. Shufunotomo began publishing the novels in print volume with illustrations by Touko Shino in August 2014. J-Novel Club publishes Natsu Hyūga and Touko Shino’s original novel series digitally. Square Enix will release the light novels in print starting in May 2024.
Manga Adaptations
The light novel series has inspired multiple manga adaptations:
- The Apothecary Diaries, illustrated by Itsuki Nanao and Nekokurage, launched in Square Enix‘s Monthly Big Gangan magazine in May 2017.
- The Apothecary Diaries: Maomao’s Notes from the Inner Palace, illustrated by Minoji Kurata, began in Shogakukan’s Monthly Sunday Gene-X in August 2017.
Anime Adaptation
An anime television series adaptation, produced by TOHO animation STUDIO and OLM, premiered in October 2023. The anime’s second season premiered on January 10, 2025, and is currently airing.
Crunchyroll is releasing The Apothecary Diaries Season 1 Part 1 on Blu-ray™ on January 28, 2025.
Story Synopsis
Maomao, a young woman trained in herbal medicine, is forced to work as a servant in the inner palace. Using her knowledge and wit, she attracts the attention of Jinshi, a handsome palace official, and becomes a food taster. She soon finds herself solving medical mysteries within the palace.
