The second season of The Apothecary Diaries closed volume 4 of Natsu Hyuuga’s light novel series of the same name. While Season 3 is on the horizon, fans are turning the pages of two concurrent manga adaptations of The Apothecary Diaries. Each version has a different Japanese illustrator, which naturally confuses the many fans who want to read the manga after season 2.
Which version of The Apothecary Diaries manga should fans read? This could be the question every fan has on their mind after learning there are two different versions running at the same time. The first one contains Nekokurage’s illustrations, while the second one has Minoji Kurata’s. Both have unique art styles and move at different speeds, but the question remains: why are there two concurrent manga versions of The Apothecary Diaries?
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The Two Running Manga Adaptations of The Apothecary Diaries
One Drawn by Nekokurage, the Other illustrated by Minoji Kurata
- The Apothecary Diaries has two concurrent manga adaptations: one drawn by Nekokurage, the other illustrated by Minoji Kurata.
Without a doubt, The Apothecary Diaries is one of the most successful anime and light novel series of modern times. The original series by Natsu Hyuuga is still ongoing, while a third season produced by studios Toho Animation and OLM has been confirmed for the anime adaptation. The series has become so popular and well-loved, it even inspired two manga adaptations running at the same time.
On May 25, 2017, a manga adaptation of the same name began serializing in Square Enix’s Monthly Big Gangan. It contains illustrations by Nekokurage (Poetry of the Sword, Poetry of the Brush), while character designs are credited to Touko Shino. Then there’s an alternative manga adaptation, titled The Apothecary Diaries: Maomao’s Notes from the Inner Palace, drawn by Minoji Kurata (Daily Life of Student Shinjirō Katsuragi), which began serializing on August 19, 2017, on Shogakukan’s Monthly Sunday Gene-X.
If I should die, I’d want to die of poison.― Maomao
While these two adaptations are different, both are still running, and there’s no sign one of them will end anytime soon. In fact, Nekokurage’s version has released 15 volumes in Japan as of March 2025 with 80 chapters, while Kurata’s adaptation has released 20 volumes as of May 2025 with 89 chapters. However, fans who want to know what happens next to Maomao and Jinshi after season 2 should pick up the light novel series, as both manga adaptations are behind the anime for now.
Why Does The Apothecary Diaries Has Two Different Manga Versions?
Even the Series Creator Is Confused
- Series creator Natsu Hyuuga is also confused about why The Apothecary Diaries has two manga adaptations.
- Fans speculate publishers received an official license without exclusive rights.
To this day, the reason why The Apothecary Diaries has two concurrent manga adaptations by different Japanese illustrators remains unknown. Even the series creator, Natsu Hyuuga, has no clear answer about the strange situation. When asked by a fan on X (formerly Twitter) about the existence of the two manga versions, Natsu Hyuuga only had this response:
Because of this, fans are quick to speculate about the possible reason why two different publishers have the license for The Apothecary Diaries manga adaptation. The most likely reason is that neither publisher was granted exclusive rights when they signed their contracts. However, some fans believe it’s just a way to make more money, since The Apothecary Diaries is set to be the next big thing in anime.
Regardless of the real reason, fans of the series have two options should they decide to pick up the manga while waiting for the release date of The Apothecary Diaries season 3. But which of these two versions should fans read first? Is it Nekokurage or Minoji Kurata?
Which The Apothecary Diaries Manga Should Fans Read?
Both Closely Follow the Source Material
Fans are not required to read both manga adaptations of The Apothecary Diaries, since they are both based on the original light novel series. However, those who prefer a heavier emphasis on romance between Maomao and Jinshi, including their emotional moments and other interactions, should read Nekokurage’s work. It has a shonen audience, obviously shown through Nekokurage’s art style that’s more expressive, appealing, and polished. It also has a tighter pacing, which was used as a reference for the anime.
Why’s this guy (Jinshi) so concerned about my chastity all the time? ― Maomao
On the flip side, Minoji Kurata’s version, especially its visuals, might be more appealing to the seinen audience. It is more mature and simpler, closer to the aesthetics of the original light novel. While Nekokurage’s version leans more on the romance side, Kurata’s version leans more on the mystery and intrigue of The Apothecary Diaries. Not to mention, the manga has a slower pacing since it tends to expand on medical and court-related incidents.
All in all, while the reason behind the two manga adaptations is unknown, fans of The Apothecary Diaries can enjoy different interpretations and art styles of Maomao’s story. Each version brings something unique to the table, and the only thing fans need to do is pick up their cup of tea and sip from it.
The Apothecary Diaries
- Release Date
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October 22, 2023
- Network
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Nippon TV, RAB, TVI, YBC, JRT
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Takeo Otsuka
Jinshi (voice)
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