The world of ‘The Apothecary Diaries’ captivates audiences not just with its intricate mysteries and stunning visuals, but primarily through its unforgettable cast of characters. From the shrewd Maomao to the enigmatic Shisui, these figures are the heart of the series, their interactions weaving a rich tapestry of drama and delight. With the announcement of a highly anticipated new season, excitement for the series continues to build. We recently had the privilege of sitting down with Aoi Yuki, the voice of Maomao, and Asami Seto, who portrays both Shisui and Loulan, to delve into their experiences. They shared how they prepared to embody these complex roles, the challenges of bringing their stories to life, and a delightful revelation: much like their characters, these actresses harbor their own passionate, ‘nerdy’ interests.
Please note: This interview contains minor spoilers for ‘The Apothecary Diaries Season 2.’
The interview began shortly after the thrilling announcement of the new season. Both actresses expressed immense gratitude and excitement. ‘It’s truly wonderful, and I wholeheartedly believe it’s thanks to all the amazing fans who have supported us,’ Aoi Yuki shared. ‘Many of us were sad when season two concluded, but now we have something incredible to look forward to! The possibilities are endless – who knows, maybe they’ll become robots or be sent to an isekai world [laughs]! We’re eager to see how the story unfolds and connects with everyone watching.’ Asami Seto echoed her sentiment, ‘I was definitely sad to see season two end, so I was absolutely delighted by the news of a new season. And as Aoi-san said, perhaps it will take a completely unexpected turn [laughs]!’
We then asked the actresses about their journey to securing these iconic roles. Aoi Yuki recounted, ‘Initially, I voiced Maomao for an audio drama CD that accompanied the light novel. When I first saw the script, I was struck by the sheer volume of text and monologues. But as I immersed myself in the character and began recording, it started to feel incredibly natural. I quickly grasped the flow of the story and Maomao herself. To see that performance then overlaid with the anime was a profoundly significant experience for my career and for Maomao’s development within the narrative.’ Asami Seto’s path was different. ‘Often, I secure roles through auditions,’ she explained, ‘but for ‘The Apothecary Diaries’ and specifically the character of Loulan, I didn’t audition. The director, having seen my work in other auditions, realized I would be a perfect fit for Loulan. However, my focus then shifted to approaching Shisui, as I essentially had to build her character development from the ground up. I understood she needed to be high-spirited, energetic, and exciting, but once in the studio, they requested an even greater level of enthusiasm than I’d ever anticipated! Learning to balance that, and truly listening to the director’s vision for the character, was an incredibly meaningful experience.’
Both Maomao and Shisui are known for their deep, almost obsessive passions—Maomao with poisons, and Shisui with insects. We asked if the actresses drew from real-life examples of intense personal interests to portray this aspect. Aoi Yuki immediately connected, ‘Yes, Maomao and I share many similarities in one sense: she’s essentially a nerd about poison. I, too, have been a ‘nerd’ about various things, whether it was movies or even muscles [she laughed]. I possess an obsessive personality when it comes to subjects I’m passionate about, and this trait easily translates into Maomao’s intense fascination with poisons.’ Asami Seto found inspiration both internally and externally. ‘For Shisui’s role, I had to look within myself and see how I could relate,’ she said. ‘I also drew a lot of inspiration from Aoi-san’s passion for nerdy topics. Personally, I’m incredibly passionate about Japanese idols. So, similar to Shisui, who speaks faster and gets lost in the moment, disregarding everyone around her when discussing bugs, that’s exactly how I feel when I start talking about idols!’
For Asami Seto, the challenge extended to portraying two distinct personalities within one character. We inquired how she managed to balance Loulan and Shisui, especially given their dramatic shifts between seasons. ‘While audiences might perceive Shisui and Loulan as having a certain polarity, personally, I believe they originate from the same core,’ Seto explained. ‘They share the same mission and are destined for the same path. So, when I consider how I portray both, I must be very mindful of their outward expressions—how bright or serious I appear—but the underlying essence, the core person, remains the same. Shisui’s mission, Loulan’s mission, and their relationship with their mother, all clearly stem from the same soul. In that sense, I approach both from a unified perspective.’
Maomao is a character who seemingly just wants to do her job, yet constantly finds herself entangled in helping others. We asked Aoi Yuki how she tackles portraying a character who prefers to go unnoticed but is utterly crucial to every situation. ‘I think the most important aspect of Maomao’s character is that she values the lives of others as if they were her own,’ Yuki mused. ‘She exhibits no discrimination towards anyone based on their title. A recurring theme in the series is the manipulation of people and lives for personal gain, reflecting that particular era. Yet, Maomao sees everyone as someone worth saving. And because she came from ‘nothing’—seen as a ‘stray cat’ by some—she’s incredibly approachable. Whether it’s good news or bad, hardships or mere gossip, Maomao is simply an easy person to confide in. However, that empathetic nature undoubtedly takes its toll on her as well.’