Many viewers were similarly shaken by the expression Maomao showed, with reactions like, “That expression is burned into my memory,” “I never thought Maomao could make a face like that…,” and “That was utterly terrifying…just like a trauma.” The direction that highlighted Maomao’s face in close-up for just a moment was also praised: “It was a great way to convey the degree of anger,” and “With just a fleeting look, the show told us everything about her feelings toward Lakan—a brilliant piece of direction.” It might well be considered a hidden masterpiece among the memorable scenes in the anime “The Apothecary Diaries.”

Currently, the anime “The Apothecary Diaries,” now being streamed all at once, is based on the light novel of the same name written by Natsu Hyūga. It has also been adapted into manga series in two monthly magazines, with the series’ total circulation exceeding 40 million copies. The TV anime aired continuously for two cours starting in October 2023, and gained widespread popularity for its mystery-solving drama featuring Maomao, who works as a poison-taster in the Inner Palace, and her comical interactions with Jinshi. The second season of the anime is set to air from January 2025.

(C)Hyuganatsu, Imagica Infos/"The Apothecary Diaries"Project

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