I’ve been following the anime series The Apothecary Diaries since its debut in 2023, and it’s become incredibly popular. It’s a collaboration between TOHO animation and OLM Studio, but the story actually began as a light novel by Hyūga Natsu. For a long time, most fans, myself included, assumed the story was set in China. Everything from the character names to the clothing and locations strongly suggested a Chinese setting. However, in a recent interview, Hyūga Natsu clarified that the world of The Apothecary Diaries isn’t China at all – it’s a completely original, fictional world.
Hyūga Natsu Reveals the Apothecary Diaries Doesn’t Take Place In China
I was absolutely hooked on The Apothecary Diaries when Season 1 premiered on October 22, 2023! It ran for 24 amazing episodes all the way until March 24, 2024, and I was thrilled when Season 2 came back so quickly on January 10, 2025, with another 24 episodes that finished up on July 4, 2025. But the excitement doesn’t stop there – we’re getting a Season 3 in October 2026, and even an original movie in December 2026! I can’t wait!
From the beginning, fans of the anime series, adapted from Hyūga Natsu’s novel, believed the story was set in China. However, the author has repeatedly stated this isn’t the case. In a recent interview with Jacob Parker-Dalton of scrmbl at Anime Central 2026, Hyūga Natsu clarified the setting of The Apothecary Diaries once more, confirming it isn’t China. The novel never actually names the country as China, instead referring to it as Li.
I’d say the world in my work isn’t actually China, but it’s heavily influenced by Chinese culture. There’s a bit of Japanese influence too, which makes sense given that’s where I’m from.
I’ve been diving into the world of The Apothecary Diaries, and it’s become clear that while it’s inspired by China, the author really takes a lot of creative freedom with it. It’s a totally fictional place, not a direct translation of history! Hyūga Natsu even pointed out that the timeline isn’t tied to any specific period in Ancient China either. It seems to take place roughly around the Middle Ages, about 1000 years ago, and the author blends elements from different Chinese dynasties, so it’s not really anchored to one single era. It’s a wonderfully unique setting!
A lot of people mistakenly believe The Apothecary Diaries is set in ancient China, but that’s actually not true, according to Jacob Parker-Dalton.
That’s right. The term ‘ancient’ isn’t quite accurate – I’d actually consider the setting to be closer to the early modern period, specifically during and after Japan’s Edo period, which was around 1000 years ago. That timeframe doesn’t really fit the series, and even the Middle Ages feels like a stretch. Essentially, I took the most compelling elements from a millennium of Chinese history and reshaped them to create the world of the story.
The Apothecary Diaries Takes Inspiration From Both China And Japan At The Same Time To Create A New Fictional World
While heavily inspired by China, the world of The Apothecary Diaries isn’t solely based on it. The author, Hyūga Natsu, has shared that her own Japanese culture and history also played a significant role in shaping the story – a common practice for authors who often draw from their personal backgrounds. Ultimately, the series blends elements of various East Asian cultures, with China being the primary influence.
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Natsu Hyūga may have made this statement to preempt criticism about the historical accuracy of her work. When creating fictional worlds, authors have more freedom than when sticking to real history. This is particularly noticeable in details like clothing, which don’t always align with specific periods of Chinese history. Since Hyūga has received criticism on this point, especially from Chinese fans, establishing a new foundation for her world allows for greater creative freedom and the opportunity to craft the best possible story for her global audience.
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2026-05-30 00:34