Naganuma was recently featured as a special guest on Crunchyroll's weekly podcast, The Anime Effect, alongside Leah President and Kristine Don. They discussed the fan-favorite moments from the first season, which has been ranked among the top 5 anime of 2024. Naganuma also hinted at future developments and explained how the show's minor mysteries are part of a more extensive plot. He assured, "There will be more developments," and elaborated, "The story will expand. Many of the mysteries introduced in Season 1 will become more complex before reaching a resolution."
The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 Will Further Jinshi and Maomao's Complex Relationship
Admirers of Jinshi and Maomao's dynamic will be pleased to see their relationship evolve in the upcoming season. "Jinshi and Maomao will work and grow together along the way. That's a development to look forward to," stated Naganuma. He also mentioned that the new season of The Apothecary Diaries will introduce fresh characters for fans to enjoy. Wrapping up his segment on The Anime Effect, Naganuma extended his gratitude to the series' fans, saying, "To all the fans watching, thank you for your support of The Apothecary Diaries. We are committed to delivering an exceptional Season 2."
Anime Director Norihiro Naganuma Talks the Challenges of Creating The Apothecary Diaries
Before discussing Season 2 of The Apothecary Diaries, Naganuma shared insights with The Anime Effect's hosts about the anime industry's challenges. "When I first had the chance to direct, I was uncertain about what and how to express. The Ancient Magus' Bride was a significant milestone for me. Following that, I spent three to four years contemplating what constitutes a good director and how to improve. That's when The Apothecary Diaries came along."
Naganuma, who also oversaw the series composition and storyboards for The Apothecary Diaries, explained his method for managing these roles. "Our goal was to preserve the novel's best aspects and faithfully convert them into animation. We aimed to depict the various colors and sounds that the original novel doesn't convey. The original author, Natsu Hyuga, is extraordinary, entrusting me with the entire adaptation process. She even said she was the number one fan of the animated series, which was truly an honor."
The second season of The Apothecary Diaries is set to debut in 2025, with the exact release date still pending. The first season is available for streaming on Crunchyroll.