The second season ofThe Apothecary Diariesclosed 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 ofThe Apothecary Diaries. Each version has a different Japanese illustrator, which naturally confuses the many fans who want toread the manga after season 2.
Which version ofThe Apothecary Diariesmanga 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 ofThe Apothecary Diaries?
The Two Running Manga Adaptations of The Apothecary Diaries
One Drawn by Nekokurage, the Other illustrated by Minoji Kurata
Without a doubt,The Apothecary Diariesis one ofthe most successful animeand 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 July 01, 2025, 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, titledThe Apothecary Diaries: Maomao’s Notes from the Inner Palace, drawn by Minoji Kurata (Daily Life of Student Shinjirō Katsuragi), which began serializing on June 16, 2025, 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 knowwhat happens next to Maomao and Jinshiafter 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
To this day, the reason whyThe Apothecary Diarieshas two concurrent manga adaptationsby different Japanese illustratorsremains 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 forThe Apothecary Diariesmanga 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, sinceThe Apothecary Diariesis set to bethe 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 therelease date of The Apothecary Diaries season 3. But which of these two versions should fans read first? Is it Nekokurage or Minoji Kurata?
Both Closely Follow the Source Material
Fans are not required to read both manga adaptations ofThe 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 themystery 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 ofThe Apothecary Diariescan 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.
