Even in a Brief Appearance, an Unmistakable Presence: Maomao’s Imaginary Sulky Jinshi Face from The Apothecary Diaries Becomes a Hot Topic

To think that even with only the briefest screen time, Jinshi (CV: Takeo Ōtsuka) can make fans swoon—now that is just like him! In episode 43 of the anime The Apothecary Diaries, Maomao (CV: Aoi Yūki) imagines a “sulky-faced Jinshi,” which charmed viewers and had them calling him “pouting Jinshi-kun” and joking, “Is he a little kid or what, lol?”

Maomao travels to a village hidden deep within the forest. She ends up participating in the village festival, and her hair is styled by Shisui (CV: Asami Seto). The hair ornament Maomao pulls out, saying, “If it’s a hairpin... I'd like you to use this one, please,” is actually a present from Jinshi in the past. When Shisui asks, “Hey, would you give it to me if I asked?” Maomao, imagining a sulky Jinshi, refuses with a firm “No.”

Afterward, Shisui advises her, “(Maomao’s hairpin is) a fine hairpin, so don’t treat it carelessly. Someone might steal it,” prompting Maomao to again picture Jinshi, thinking, “Maybe I could sell it off,” and, “The one who gave it to me is so persistent, it feels like the hairpin might somehow find its way back to me…”