Jinshi Stops for the Irises
The latest visual in The Apothecary Diaries' monthly art series arrived today — right on schedule for the 22nd, a.k.a. "Maomao Day" (a play on 猫猫, the heroine's name, which can be read as "22" in Japanese wordplay). This month's illustration trades Maomao's usual spotlight for her ever-watchful admirer: Jinshi, voiced by Takeo Ōtsuka, is shown pausing mid-stride through the rain-soaked palace, his gaze caught by a cluster of iris flowers blooming beside a bridge. His ever-loyal attendant Gaoshun (Katsuyuki Konishi) stands at his side.
The "Maomao and Jinshi's Journey Through the Four Seasons" campaign launched during the anime's second season in 2025, releasing a new character visual on the 22nd of every month, each themed around a seasonal plant. The project rolled into a second chapter in 2026, broadening its focus from Maomao-centric compositions to the wider cast. Previous months this year have featured Maomao with Meimei in January (camellias), Maomao and Luomen in February (butterbur sprouts), Lakan and Rahan in March (magnolias), and Joka and Maomao in April (peonies).
Wallpapers and a Card Giveaway
The official Apothecary Diaries website is distributing free PC and smartphone wallpapers featuring the May visual. Meanwhile, the show's official X account is running a lottery for five signed visual cards — a recurring perk of the monthly campaign that keeps fans checking back on the 22nd.
TOHO animation also posted a short reveal video for the visual on its YouTube channel, following the same Shorts format used for every prior monthly drop.
Looking Ahead
The seasonal visual campaign is doing double duty as a long runway toward The Apothecary Diaries' third season, produced at TOHO animation STUDIO and OLM (My Hero Academia, Pokémon). Season 3's first cour premieres in October 2026, with the second cour following in April 2027. Sandwiched between them is an original theatrical film — featuring a new story by novelist Natsu Hyūga — slated for December 2026.
Crunchyroll holds international streaming rights for the series, having simulcast both prior seasons. No separate announcement has been made for Season 3's international distribution, but a continuation of the Crunchyroll arrangement is widely expected. The source light novels are published in English by Yen Press, and J-Novel Club holds the license for the manga adaptation.