Episode 38 of the TV anime The Apothecary Diaries (aired on April 11 on Nippon TV, Fridays at 11:00 PM) titled "The Dancing Ghost" has thrilled fans as a key moment finally arrives—Jinshi addresses Maomao by her name.

A Mystery Unfolds at the Royal Bathhouse

The story follows Maomao, the daughter of an apothecary with an unusual obsession with poisons and medicine, and Jinshi, a beautiful yet enigmatic eunuch. Together, they tackle complex mysteries within the imperial palace in this unique mystery-entertainment anime.

In this episode, Maomao accompanies Korin on an errand and hears from Consort Lihua about rumors of a ghost appearing in the Konko Palace bathhouse. Seeing how terrified Lihua is, Maomao advises her to speak with Jinshi. Later, Jinshi orders Maomao to investigate the strange phenomenon.

Shortly after the broadcast, the hashtag #TheApothecaryDiaries began trending on X (formerly Twitter), driven by a scene that fans had long been waiting for.

“Maomao” at Last—Fan Reactions Explode Online

Until now, Jinshi had always referred to Maomao only as “the apothecary.” But when asking to have her returned from Consort Gyokuyou's service, he finally calls her by her actual name—“Maomao.” Fans erupted with joy online:

“He finally said Maomao! Congratulations!!!!!”

“Jinshi-sama said it—Maomaooooo!!”

“He called her name!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

“Being assertive is good… but you're too close! You're too close, sir…!”

“Did you hear that!? Jinshi said Maomao!!! It’s a celebration!!! Break out the red rice!!!”

The moment was a major emotional payoff for long-time viewers, adding to the romantic tension between the two leads and solidifying this episode as one of the most memorable in the series.

The anime's first season, which aired in October 2023, captivated audiences with Maomao’s spirited heroine, engaging mysteries, and intricate human drama within the rear palace. The series consistently ranked high across streaming platforms.

In Season 2, tensions escalate in the imperial palace with the announcement of Empress Gyokuyou’s pregnancy. Adding to the intrigue are the arrival of Consort Rouran, daughter of a key minister from the previous emperor’s era, an unprecedented unresolved attempt on Jinshi’s life, and the disappearance of suspect Sui Reiyuu. Foreign delegations and special envoys with unreasonable demands further complicate matters, leading to a crisis that threatens the entire nation.

Cast

Maomao
Aoi Yūki
Jinshi
Takeo Ōtsuka
Gaoshun
Katsuyuki Konishi
Gyokuyō
Atsumi Tanezaki
Lihua
Yui Ishikawa
Lishu
Hina Kino
Xiaolan
Misaki Kuno
Shisui
Asami Seto
Narration
Sumi Shimamoto

Staff

Original Work
Natsu Hyūga
(Published by Hero Bunko / Imagica Infos)
Character Design Draft
Touko Shino
Chief Director & Series Composition
Norihiro Naganuma
Director
Akinori Fudesaka
Assistant Director
Wataru Nakagawa
Script
Yuko Kakihara, Misuzu Chiba, Hitomi Ogawa
Character Design
Yukiko Nakatani
Art Director
Katsumi Takao
Color Design
Misato Aida
CGI Director
Aru Nagai
Director of Photography
Mayo Suzuki
Editing
Daisuke Imai
Sound Director
Shouji Hata
Music
Satoru Kōsaki, Kevin Penkin, Alisa Okehazama
Animation Production
TOHO animation STUDIO × OLM
Production
"The Apothecary Diaries" Production Committee

The Apothecary Diaries Episode 38 Trailer

Opening Theme Lilas Ikuta – "Hyakka Ryouran"

Hirai Dai – "Shiawase no Recipe"

Source : ORICON NEWS