Mana Ashida is cast as Maomao in the live-action The Apothecary Diaries series, set to stream worldwide on Amazon Prime Video in 2028. She spoke about the role at Prime Video Presents Tokyo on September 3, 2026.
Mana Ashida is attached to the most visible expansion of The Apothecary Diaries yet. On September 3, 2026, Amazon Prime Video announced a live-action series adaptation of Hyuganatsu and Touko Shino's light novel series, with Ashida playing protagonist Maomao. The announcement came with a teaser visual of Ashida in the role and a confirmed 2028 streaming window on Prime Video worldwide. TOHO and Amazon MGM Studios co-produce, with Yuki Saito directing and Erika Yoshida writing the screenplay.
Ashida was already a fan of the novels before casting. She said the filming period was one where she poured her heart into her love for Maomao and the series. Original author Hyuganatsu endorsed the choice, saying she felt confident after Ashida was selected and that she visited the set several times, impressed by the elaborate sets and costumes. Later that same day, at Prime Video Presents Tokyo, Ashida said, "Being able to play a beloved character is the greatest happiness," tying her comment to the affection fans hold for the original character. The event also featured cast and creators from Bless, Jinko Glico, Please Save My Earth, and The Silent Fleet, as Prime Video announced doubled investment in Japanese original works over the next two years.
The live-action series joins an expanding media footprint for the property. The Apothecary Diaries began as a web novel in October 2011, with print novels starting in August 2014 and a manga adaptation in May 2017. The story follows Maomao, a young apothecary sold into service in the emperor's rear palace, where her medical knowledge catches the attention of head eunuch Jinshi. The series has two anime seasons, with a third premiering October 2, 2026, and an anime film opening December 11.
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At Prime Video Presents Tokyo on September 3, 2026, Mana Ashida, who plays Maomao in the live-action adaptation of The Apothecary Diaries, said, 'Being able to play a beloved character is the greatest happiness.' The event also featured cast and creators from Bless, Jinko Glico, Please Save My Earth, and The Silent Fleet, with Prime Video announcing doubled investment in Japanese original works over the next two years.
Amazon Prime Video announced on Thursday that it is producing a live-action series adaptation of Hyuganatsu and Touko Shino's The Apothecary Diaries light novel series, with Mana Ashida cast as protagonist Maomao. The series will stream exclusively worldwide on Amazon Prime Video in 2028. It is co-produced by TOHO and Amazon MGM Studios, with Yuki Saito directing and Erika Yoshida writing the screenplay. A teaser visual featuring Ashida as Maomao was revealed alongside the announcement. Ashida, who said she was already a fan of the novels, described the filming period as one where she poured her heart into her love for Maomao and the series. Original author Hyuganatsu welcomed the adaptation, saying she felt confident after Ashida was chosen, and that she visited the set several times, impressed by the elaborate sets and costumes. The Apothecary Diaries began as a web novel in October 2011, with print novels starting in August 2014 and a manga adaptation in May 2017. The story follows Maomao, a young apothecary sold into service in the emperor's rear palace, where her medical knowledge catches the attention of the head eunuch Jinshi. The series has two anime seasons, with a third season premiering October 2, 2026, and an anime film opening December 11.