The upcoming anime film The Apothecary Diaries the Movie: Bouhi no Hihou (亡妃の秘宝), translated as The Late Consort’s Secret Treasure, has received a new promotional video introducing the Bi clan. The film is scheduled to premiere in Japanese cinemas on December 11, 2026.
Alongside the trailer, the production team has announced additional voice cast members for the Bi family. Mariya Ise, who voices Muqing, the clan’s youngest son and an important character in the film, has also shared her thoughts on joining the popular franchise.
New Trailer Introduces the Bi Clan and Its Hidden Secrets
The film follows Maomao and Jinshi as they travel to Binan Province, south of the imperial capital, to return the remains of Ruoqing to her hometown. Ruoqing was a mid-ranking consort who died in the imperial rear palace five years earlier.
The newly released trailer introduces the Bi clan, which governs Binan Province. Its members include Bilou, the head of the family and Ruoqing’s father; his wife, Qiuyu; their eldest son, Biquan; and Muqing, Bilou’s youngest son, who was born to a concubine and is shunned by the rest of the family.
The footage offers glimpses of the tensions within the household. Bilou welcomes Maomao, Jinshi and their companions, thanking them for travelling so far. Muqing, meanwhile, struggles with his position in the family and says, “I wasn’t born because anyone wanted me.”
Qiuyu is shown desperately trying to stop Muqing from leaving, while also grieving Ruoqing’s death. Her emotional words reveal the depth of her sorrow, as she laments that Ruoqing should have remained with the family rather than dying.
These scenes suggest that the Bi family’s personal struggles and the circumstances surrounding Ruoqing’s death will play an important role in the film’s central mystery.
New Voice Cast Announced for the Anime Film
Three additional voice actors have been confirmed for the Bi clan. Nobuo Tobita will voice Bilou, the family’s head, while Kumiko Watanabe will play his wife, Qiuyu. Hirofumi Nojima has been cast as Biquan, the clan’s eldest son.
Mariya Ise, who voices Muqing, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to join The Apothecary Diaries as an original character created specifically for the theatrical film.
She explained that Muqing is a boy whom Maomao and Jinshi encounter in Binan Province and that he has a significant part to play in the story. Ise said she carefully considered his background and emotions while preparing to portray the character.
She also encouraged viewers to experience the film in cinemas, highlighting the larger-scale storytelling and new mysteries that the theatrical format makes possible.
Mariya Ise and the Creators Share Their Thoughts
The film’s original story has been written by series creator Natsu Hyūga. It will explore a mystery involving a deceased consort and a hidden treasure, expanding the franchise with a storyline created specifically for the big screen.
The wider The Apothecary Diaries story takes place in the rear palace of a fictional empire. It follows Maomao, an apothecary raised in a pleasure district, who uses her medical knowledge and sharp observational skills to solve mysteries and uncover conspiracies within the imperial court.
The original light novel series has surpassed 57 million copies in circulation worldwide. Its television anime adaptation premiered in 2023, while its third season began airing on October 2, 2026. A live-action television drama starring Mana Ashida is also scheduled for 2028.
With an original story, new characters and a mystery connecting a deceased consort to a concealed treasure, The Apothecary Diaries the Movie: Bouhi no Hihou is set to take Maomao and Jinshi beyond the familiar surroundings of the imperial palace.
Disclaimer: This article is based on the film announcement and statements provided by the production team and cast. The release date, cast details and other project information reflect the information currently available in the supplied announcement and may be subject to official updates.
