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| Kusuriya no Hitorigoto Live Action Film in the Works Ashida Mana Reportedly Cast as Maomao (Photo: Bunshun) |
Japan’s entertainment circle woke up buzzing this week after reports surfaced claiming that The Apothecary Diaries (Kusuriya no Hitorigoto) is finally getting its long-whispered live-action adaptation — and the lead role may be going to none other than Ashida Mana.
According to a scoop from Shukan Bunshun Digital on 3 December, the 21-year-old actress is set to star as Maomao in a feature-length theatrical adaptation scheduled to begin filming next year, with a nationwide release expected in 2027.
For fans who’ve followed Ashida Mana since her child-star days, this marks a major turning point: a full-scale dive into one of Japan’s most talked-about literary franchises.
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Industry insiders quoted by Bunshun describe Ashida Mana as “a natural choice”, praising her discipline, sharp instincts and famously voracious reading habits — reportedly over 100 books a year.
According to one insider:
“Maomao is the type who investigates herbs and poisons without hesitation, sometimes testing them on herself. Ashida’s commitment to research and her range as an actress make her ideal for the role.”
While Ashida Mana’s camp has yet to comment, the casting rumour alone has sent the series’ fanbase into an excited spiral.
For many, the biggest worry with live-action adaptations is whether the lead can carry the character’s depth — and Ashida’s recent performances suggest she’s more than capable.
Nomura Kota Rumoured as Jinshi — With More Cast Reveals Incoming
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Bunshun’s print edition, out on 4 December, is expected to drop further casting details, including the actor set to play Jinshi. Early whispers point strongly to Nomura Kota (22) — described as a “second-generation actor” with rising name recognition.
The film will also reportedly feature a familiar face from Taiga drama territory in a key supporting role, along with a script penned by a writer known for well-received NHK morning dramas. If accurate, the production is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious live-action adaptations in recent years.
No Official Announcement, But Bunshun’s Track Record Has Fans Paying Attention
Although neither the publisher nor the film’s production committee has confirmed any details, Bunshun’s history of breaking major entertainment stories long before official announcements means the industry isn’t brushing this rumour aside.
Japanese social media quickly picked up the news, with Kusuriya no Hitorigoto live-action trending shortly after publication.
Fan reactions were, predictably, a mixed bag at first — a blend of excitement, nerves, and the usual scepticism directed at live-action adaptations.
But once Ashida Mana’s name surfaced, sentiment shifted. Many pointed out her consistent track record: from high-level dramas to voice acting, she’s repeatedly proven she can anchor complex roles.
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Ashida Mana’s acting momentum this year has been impossible to ignore. Alongside her studies at Keio University, she voiced the lead in Mamoru Hosoda’s acclaimed animated feature Endless Scarlet, where she played a young princess navigating life, loneliness and vengeance across two worlds.
Critics praised her emotional clarity and maturity, calling it one of her finest performances to date.
Her appointment as a UNDP Goodwill Ambassador in March, succeeding Misako Konno’s 27-year tenure, only solidified her image as a thoughtful young public figure.
Konno herself spoke warmly of Ashida Mana’s handwritten letter expressing her gratitude and eagerness to learn, describing her as “sincere and exceptionally dedicated”.
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The Apothecary Diaries has become one of Japan’s best-selling and most widely discussed franchises, spanning light novels, manga and anime.
Set in a fictional imperial court inspired by ancient China, the story follows Maomao — a sharp, self-contained apothecary who becomes tangled in palace intrigue thanks to her encyclopaedic knowledge of herbs and medicine.
Her dynamic with Jinshi, the elegant and enigmatic palace official, drives much of the series’ charm.
The adaptation is expected to lean into the darker, investigative undertones of the source material while giving Maomao’s quietly chaotic brilliance a more grounded portrayal.
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If the rumoured film sticks closely to the original’s mix of mystery, medicine and slow-burn character tension, it could become one of the standout Japanese releases of 2027.
And with Ashida Mana’s casting already sparking widespread chatter, all eyes are now on one thing:
When will the production finally confirm Jinshi — and will Nomura Kota truly step into the role?