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Toho Animation Unveils Trailer for Apothecary Diaries Film, Sets Japan Release for December 2026
When Toho Animation released the first official trailer for its upcoming feature film Apothecary Diaries on March 7 2026, the animation community received a clear signal that the franchise is moving beyond television. The teaser, accompanied by a striking new poster and character visuals, confirms a December 11 2026 theatrical debut in Japan.
The movie, known in English releases as The Deceased Empress' Treasure, is an original story penned by the series’ creator Hyūganatsu. Unlike the 2023‑2025 anime television adaptation, the film does not follow the light‑novel plot. Instead, it follows apothecary Mao Mao and her companion Jinshi as they escort a consort’s body back to her hometown, where they stumble upon a mystery surrounding a boy named Mu Qing.
The trailer introduces the main trio—Mao Mao, Jinshi, and Mu Qing—and spotlights Mariya Ise, who voices Mao Mao in the film. The new visuals were posted on the series’ official website, offering a first look at the movie’s art style and character designs.
Apothecary Diaries began as a free web novel on Shōsetsuka ni Narō in 2011. Shufunotomo acquired the work in 2012, publishing a single‑volume novel that year and a light‑novel series from 2014. Set in a fictional country inspired by Tang‑Dynasty China, the story follows a young apothecary sold into the emperor’s palace, who uses her medical knowledge to solve poison‑related mysteries.
The series was adapted into an anime television show produced by Toho Animation Studio and OLM. The first season aired from October 2023 to March 2024, the second season ran from January to July 2025, and a third season is slated to premiere in October 2026. The film’s release date, however, remains limited to Japan.
Toho Animation, a subsidiary of Toho Co., Ltd., is a major player in Japanese film production and distribution. The company has a long history of producing and distributing animated features, including the Doraemon film series.
The film’s title has appeared in several variations. Google Translate lists it as “The Secret Treasure of the Deceased Consort,” Anime News Network uses “The Deceased Empress’ Treasure,” and a Reddit user prefers “Treasure of the Late Consort.” Crunchyroll has chosen not to publish a subtitle, leaving the title untranslated for international audiences.
While the Japanese release is confirmed, no official international release date or subtitle has been announced. Fans of the series can expect the movie to be available in Japan on December 11 2026, with potential future releases pending.
The trailer’s release coincides with the upcoming third season of the anime, which is slated for October 2026. The timing suggests a coordinated effort to maintain momentum for the franchise as it expands from television to feature‑film format.
For now, the Apothecary Diaries film remains a domestic Japanese release, with no confirmed plans for overseas distribution or streaming platforms. The franchise’s continued popularity in Japan, evidenced by the ongoing anime seasons and the recent film announcement, indicates a strong domestic fan base.
In summary, Toho Animation has confirmed a December 2026 theatrical release for Apothecary Diaries: The Deceased Empress' Treasure in Japan, presented through a new trailer, poster, and character visuals. The film is an original story by Hyūganatsu, distinct from the light‑novel source material, and features voice actress Mariya Ise as Mao Mao. International audiences will need to wait for further announcements regarding subtitles and release dates beyond Japan.
The movie, known in English releases as The Deceased Empress' Treasure, is an original story penned by the series’ creator Hyūganatsu. Unlike the 2023‑2025 anime television adaptation, the film does not follow the light‑novel plot. Instead, it follows apothecary Mao Mao and her companion Jinshi as they escort a consort’s body back to her hometown, where they stumble upon a mystery surrounding a boy named Mu Qing.
The trailer introduces the main trio—Mao Mao, Jinshi, and Mu Qing—and spotlights Mariya Ise, who voices Mao Mao in the film. The new visuals were posted on the series’ official website, offering a first look at the movie’s art style and character designs.
Apothecary Diaries began as a free web novel on Shōsetsuka ni Narō in 2011. Shufunotomo acquired the work in 2012, publishing a single‑volume novel that year and a light‑novel series from 2014. Set in a fictional country inspired by Tang‑Dynasty China, the story follows a young apothecary sold into the emperor’s palace, who uses her medical knowledge to solve poison‑related mysteries.
The series was adapted into an anime television show produced by Toho Animation Studio and OLM. The first season aired from October 2023 to March 2024, the second season ran from January to July 2025, and a third season is slated to premiere in October 2026. The film’s release date, however, remains limited to Japan.
Toho Animation, a subsidiary of Toho Co., Ltd., is a major player in Japanese film production and distribution. The company has a long history of producing and distributing animated features, including the Doraemon film series.
The film’s title has appeared in several variations. Google Translate lists it as “The Secret Treasure of the Deceased Consort,” Anime News Network uses “The Deceased Empress’ Treasure,” and a Reddit user prefers “Treasure of the Late Consort.” Crunchyroll has chosen not to publish a subtitle, leaving the title untranslated for international audiences.
While the Japanese release is confirmed, no official international release date or subtitle has been announced. Fans of the series can expect the movie to be available in Japan on December 11 2026, with potential future releases pending.
The trailer’s release coincides with the upcoming third season of the anime, which is slated for October 2026. The timing suggests a coordinated effort to maintain momentum for the franchise as it expands from television to feature‑film format.
For now, the Apothecary Diaries film remains a domestic Japanese release, with no confirmed plans for overseas distribution or streaming platforms. The franchise’s continued popularity in Japan, evidenced by the ongoing anime seasons and the recent film announcement, indicates a strong domestic fan base.
In summary, Toho Animation has confirmed a December 2026 theatrical release for Apothecary Diaries: The Deceased Empress' Treasure in Japan, presented through a new trailer, poster, and character visuals. The film is an original story by Hyūganatsu, distinct from the light‑novel source material, and features voice actress Mariya Ise as Mao Mao. International audiences will need to wait for further announcements regarding subtitles and release dates beyond Japan.
