Insights from Voice Actors Aoi Yuki and Asami Seto on The Apothecary Diaries Season 2
At Anime Expo 2025, Anime Corner had the privilege of interviewing two talented voice actors from the beloved anime series, The Apothecary Diaries, which is currently in its second season. Aoi Yuki, who lends her voice to the main character, Maomao, and Asami Seto, who voices Loulan and Shisui, shared their experiences and insights into their roles in this captivating anime adaptation. During our discussion, they reflected on their journeys with the series, the nuances of their characters, and the unique challenges they encountered throughout the production.
The conversation began with Yuki-san and Seto-san recounting their first interactions with The Apothecary Diaries. Yuki-san revealed that her initial exposure came through the audio drama CD accompanying the light novels, where she first portrayed Maomao. Despite the absence of visuals, she found joy in immersing herself in the rich literary content, allowing her to connect deeply with the character’s essence. Seto-san, on the other hand, encountered the series after securing her role. She delved into the original works, preparing for her debut recording session as Loulan while keeping Shisui in mind for future episodes.
When asked about their first impressions of their characters, both actors shared how they connected with their roles. Yuki-san expressed how she channels her inner feline while portraying Maomao, embodying the character’s focus, cleverness, and emotional intricacy. She humorously noted that friends often describe her as cat-like, which adds a personal touch to her performance. Seto-san emphasized the need to create a distinction between Loulan and Shisui. While Loulan is more reserved, Shisui embodies a bright, cheerful spirit, and Seto-san worked diligently to highlight the differences in their personalities.
The discussion then shifted to the direction the actors received regarding their character portrayals. Yuki-san mentioned that her previous experience in the audio drama was beneficial, as it provided her with a foundation to build upon in the animation. She found balance in her performance by paying close attention to her co-star Jinshi’s voice. Meanwhile, Seto-san shared that her team encouraged her to amplify Shisui’s brightness and cheerfulness, which initially felt overwhelming. However, she soon understood that this approach was essential for distinguishing between the two characters.
As they explored their characters’ passions, both actors admitted they hadn’t conducted much pre-recording research about their characters’ specific interests, such as poisons or insects. Instead, they discovered these elements through the scripts as they progressed in their roles. For Seto-san, Shisui’s artistic talent for drawing insects added an extra layer to her character, which she enjoyed portraying.
The conversation also touched on the evolving relationships between their characters. Seto-san explained her approach to Shisui and Maomao’s dynamic, noting that Shisui harbors secrets that impact her interactions. This complexity made it challenging to navigate their relationship as they grew closer throughout the series. Yuki-san commented on Maomao’s consistent distance from Jinshi, highlighting that it is Jinshi who attempts to bridge the gap between them. She likened their relationship to that of a cat and its owner, where affection is often shown when there is a benefit involved.
In discussing emotional scenes, Seto-san reflected on portraying Shisui’s character arc, especially when her true intentions were revealed. She emphasized the importance of conveying Shisui’s predestined journey and the internal conflict that comes with it. Yuki-san shared her experience with challenging monologue-heavy scenes, particularly in Episode 7 of Season 2, which required her to master various intonations and pronunciations. This episode was akin to a mental exercise for her, as she balanced technical precision with emotional depth.
When asked about their favorite scenes, both actors expressed their admiration for particular moments in the series. Yuki-san enjoyed an unscripted conversation between Maomao’s mentor, Luomen, and the doctor, appreciating the natural flow of dialogue. Seto-san highlighted a significant scene involving Maomao and Xiaolan, which resonated with her due to its depth and the possibilities for viewer interpretation.
As the interview wrapped up, Yuki-san and Seto-san expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to share their experiences and insights. Their passion for their roles and the series shines through in their words, offering fans a deeper understanding of the creative process behind The Apothecary Diaries.
The second season of The Apothecary Diaries continues to captivate audiences with its engaging storytelling and rich character development. Fans can now stream both seasons on Crunchyroll, with an exciting sequel announced following the conclusion of Season 2. This series not only showcases the talents of its voice actors but also highlights the intricate storytelling that draws viewers into its enchanting world.
