The Apothecary Diaries Series Reaches 40 Million Copies in Print

Japanese publisher Imagica Infos announced on February 28 that the total number of copies printed of Natsu Hyuga's The Apothecary Diaries series had reached 40 million.The publisher's light novel imprint Hero Bunko started publishing the romance fantasy series in Japan in August 2014, so far 15 volumes have been available. And the novel has also had its two manga adaptations — one is drawn by Nekokurage and published by Square Enix in Monthly Big Gangan, and another one, Mao Mao no Kokyu Nazotoki Techo, drawn by Minoji Kurata published by Shogakukan in Monthly Sunday Gene-X. The figure of 40 million copies is the combined number of both the original novel and the two manga adaptations.As of the end of September 2023, prior to the start of the first season of the TV anime, the series had a total of 24 million copies in circulation.

Japanese publisher Imagica Infos announced on February 28 that the total number of copies printed of Natsu Hyuga’s The Apothecary Diaries series had reached 40 million.

The publisher’s light novel imprint Hero Bunko started publishing the romance fantasy series in Japan in August 2014, so far 15 volumes have been available. And the novel has also had its two manga adaptations — one is drawn by Nekokurage and published by Square Enix in Monthly Big Gangan, and another one, Mao Mao no Kokyu Nazotoki Techo, drawn by Minoji Kurata published by Shogakukan in Monthly Sunday Gene-X. The figure of 40 million copies is the combined number of both the original novel and the two manga adaptations.

As of the end of September 2023, prior to the start of the first season of the TV anime, the series had a total of 24 million copies in circulation. In March 2024, when the first season ended, the number exceeded 33 million copies, and in September 2024, without losing momentum, it surpassed 38 million copies. And now, the series has reached a major milestone of the 40 million mark.

The Apothecary Diaries Series Reaches 40 Million Copies in Print — Novel 1st volume cover

The first season of the TV anime adaptation of The Apothecary Diaries aired for 24 episodes from October 2023 to March 2024. The second season premiered in Japan on January 10, 2025, and has also been simulcast on Crunchyroll for members in North America, Central America, South America, Europe, Africa, Oceania, the Middle East and CIS.

Crunchyroll describes the series:

Maomao lived a peaceful life with her apothecary father. Until one day, she’s sold as a lowly servant to the emperor’s palace. But she wasn’t meant for a compliant life among royalty. So when imperial heirs fall ill, she decides to step in and find a cure! This catches the eye of Jinshi, a handsome palace official who promotes her. Now, she’s making a name for herself solving medical mysteries!

Source: Imagica Infos press release