A synopsis and scene images for episode 54 of The Apothecary Diaries have been released along with travel setting art, Oricon News reported on November 5, 2026.
The episode, whose Japanese title roughly translates as "Paper Village, Part 1" (an unofficial translation), is scheduled to air on November 6 from 11:30 p.m. to midnight JST on the Nippon TV network, according to thetv.jp. That is a half hour later than the show's usual Friday 11 p.m. slot.
In the synopsis carried by PASH! PLUS, Maomao is at a loss over a "troublesome matter" brought by Jinshi. The synopsis on thetv.jp introduces a doctor Maomao privately calls a "quack," along with a companion and Jinshi, who is disguised much like an attendant. The three appear to be heading to the doctor's hometown in the west, and Maomao ends up joining them.
The newly unveiled setting art shows Maomao, Jinshi and their companion in new outfits for the journey. A report carried by Yahoo! Japan News says the outfits reverse the group's usual relationship, dressing Maomao and Jinshi like the companion's attendants. It adds that Jinshi wears makeup that makes a facial scar look like a burn.