Kusuriya no Hitorigoto 2nd Season

Using her wit and vast knowledge of medicines and poisons alike, Maomao played a pivotal role in solving a series of mysteries and conspiracies that plagued the imperial court. Having recently come to terms with the secrets of her parents, she returns to fulfill her normal duties on behalf of the emperor's highest-ranking consorts. Maomao also works alongside the eunuch Jinshi to better the consorts' many ladies-in-waiting, including helping them learn to read.

However, with the arrival of a merchant caravan comes a new wave of intrigue. A pattern of strange coincidences involving the visitors and their wares unsettles Maomao, driving her to investigate the puzzling circumstances behind the convoy. As dangers from both outside and within threaten the balance between the imperial concubines, Maomao continues to utilize her cunning and medical expertise to keep the women safe from harm.

[Written by MAL Rewrite]

Maomao Main

Yuuki, Aoi Japanese

Jinshi Main

Ootsuka, Takeo Japanese

Loulan Supporting

Seto, Asami Japanese

Gyokuyou Supporting

Tanezaki, Atsumi Japanese

Shisui Supporting

Seto, Asami Japanese

Kan, Lakan Supporting

Kirimoto, Takuya Japanese

Gaoshun Supporting

Konishi, Katsuyuki Japanese

Xiaolan Supporting

Kuno, Misaki Japanese

Lihua Supporting

Ishikawa, Yui Japanese

Ah-Duo Supporting

Kaida, Yuuko Japanese

Morishita, Katsuji Producer

Okamoto, Junya Producer

Fujimura, Tomoko Producer

Yazawa, Izumi Producer

Reviews

Oct 17, 2025

biscuitthecat

Recommended

This is one of the animes I enjoyed the most since episode one. I totally recommend it, I don't think I've ever watched any other anime similar to this. I love the art, the animation, the colors, everything. I also love that, even though it's a fictional story, there's a lot of things from that time that I didn't know and find really interesting. It's really nice to learn new things through an anime.

I love the plot, the characters, how Maomao and Jinshi's story develops. I can't wait to watch next season and I hope I can start reading the manga soon cause I'm hooked ... in this story. I recommend this story a 100%. Totally worth watching.

Reviewer’s Rating: 10

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Nov 5, 2025

anoraks_spilt

Mixed Feelings

Entire first season I couldn't pinpoint exactly why I couldn't quit this series. It's far from my cup of tea and even opposite in fact. Pretty boys, murder mysteries, human trafficking and prostitution were of interest back to my younger self. Over the years I've developed a taste and high standards for media, therefore I drop tons of shows such as apothecary here. It's a tough watch no matter how you look at it. No matter how numb or cold hearted a viewer you are- apothecary will break you, kick you while you're down then gaslight you into thinking you need more of it. That ... leads me right to my main point. Deep into the second season it clicked in my head. The ever so unlikable protagonist reminds me of my ex-wife. That ice running through her veins, heartless monster stemming from undiagnosed autism. I spent a decade trying to make space in her heart but rarely ever saw empathy of any kind. I highly recommend you get through both seasons- no matter the emotional toll. There's a reason why apothecary is such a hit. Most everyone will resonate with it, likely more than most common shows. I hated it so much, cried many times and laughed a few but I'm glad it's now over. Just like my marriage- apothecary was a journey that made me who I am today.

Reviewer’s Rating: 7

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Jul 5, 2025

bunnymai

Not Recommended

Funny

This season is worse than the previous one.
Season 1 Maomao seemed like an intelligent capable heroine solving problems around the palace. However, in season 2, the plots get much more convoluted and frankly, much more confusing, involving way too many characters we barely see. Honestly, I like shows with political intrigue normally, but the fact that Maomao is literally the only capable person in the series and solves every single issue and escapes unscathed each time is a bit unrealistic.
The ending is an extreme let down. I won't spoil it, but it's incredibly unrealistic and frankly, makes a lot of exposition and tension in ... earlier episodes pretty pointless. I can't decide if this is a children's anime from their unwillingness to deal with heavy themes, or an adult anime from their frequent sexual suggestiveness.
As with season 1, the worst character by far is rapey Jinshi. He is so incredibly rapey I can't believe the manga was written by a woman. He always forces himself onto Maomao, despite her clearly indicating her unease or disinterest. He acts like a petulant child and sulks whenever he doesn't get his way, it's so revolting to watch. I honestly can't see any redeeming qualities from him. Any scene with him in it is just ruined. I said in my Season 1 review that I predicted he would not actually have been castrated, because no way they have the courage to write a leading man who doesn't have the parts. Well I wasn't wrong.. Which makes him so much more rapey, hanging around the rear palace by choice despite not being a eunuch, ignoring his real responsibilities

Reviewer’s Rating: 6

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