The Vibe of 'The Apothecary Diaries' from the First Scene: 5 Anime for Those Already Missing Mao Mao and Renshi
Harems, princesses, and concubines, all spiced with a dash of magic.
If you’ve already rewatched The Apothecary Diaries twice and are craving Mao Mao, palace intrigues, and its slow but captivating storytelling, here are five anime to help ease the wait for the next season.
Each of these has a special atmosphere, mysterious characters like Shisui, and that subtle Eastern spice that made us fall in love with the story of the Asian healer.
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End
2023–present, drama, fantasy, adventure
After defeating the Demon King, the hero party breaks up. Years pass. One by one, comrades pass away, but the elf Frieren remains — her long life becoming a curse. To avoid madness from loneliness, she sets out on a new journey to rethink everything.
Why fans of The Apothecary Diaries will love it: smart heroine, inner silence, and a delicate exploration of human nature. No romance, but an atmosphere that’s hard to leave.
Ascendance of a Bookworm
2019–2022, drama, fantasy, slice of life, comedy
Book lover Urano dies and is reincarnated as a girl named Myne in a world where books are rare luxuries. Now her goal is to print books herself. She starts from scratch — making ink, preparing paper, and slowly changing the local society.
Why fans will like it: Myne, like Mao Mao, is obsessed with her craft, fearless of challenges, and ready to challenge the system. A lighthearted story with a big love for knowledge.
The Raven Doesn’t Choose Its Master
2024, drama, fantasy
In the mysterious land of Yamauchi live intelligent ravens called Yatagarasu. Emperor Wakamiya must choose a wife, but court intrigues interest him more than love.
There are four candidates, each complicated in her own way.
Why it appeals: political manoeuvres, constant power struggles, and an heir whose personality resembles Renshi’s. All the aesthetics, intrigue, and pride are here.
Raven of the Inner Palace
2022, drama, fantasy
A young emperor seeks help from a mysterious woman nicknamed Crow. She lives in seclusion and is rumored to wield magic. Their meeting sparks a series of secrets and wonders filling the imperial palace.
Why fans will love it: the same atmosphere of hidden knowledge and female insight. Like Mao Mao, Crow breaks free of her role and controls events from the shadows.
Imperial Concubine
2018–2019, comedy, romance, historical fantasy
Qian Yunxi could see spirits from childhood and was exiled by her family. But when the beloved heir had to be married off to a powerful man, her father switched her with a fool, sending Yunxi to the palace full of surprises and dangers.
Why it fits: Yunxi is resourceful, bold, and ironic; the emperor is cold and mysterious. She doesn’t fear tough decisions and always interferes in matters supposedly not her concern. A light tone, a charismatic man in power, and mystical motifs — all classic The Apothecary Diaries ingredients.
