How Many Apothecary Diaries Chapters Are There? (2026)

How Many Apothecary Diaries Chapters Are There?

The Apothecary Diaries manga has multiple chapter counts because two separate manga adaptations are published in Japan. The main adaptation, illustrated by Nekokurage and published by Square Enix, reached Chapter 87 in June 2026. The alternative adaptation, illustrated by Minoji Kurata, follows a separate publication schedule.

Written originally by Natsu Hyuuga, The Apothecary Diaries follows Maomao, a young apothecary who becomes involved in medical mysteries and political intrigue inside the imperial palace.

With the anime attracting new viewers, many fans want to know how much of the story is available in manga form and whether the series has finished.

The Apothecary Diaries Chapter Count at a Glance

The chapter count above refers to the main Nekokurage adaptation. Chapter numbering and publication dates can change, so readers should check current publisher announcements for subsequent releases.

Is The Apothecary Diaries Manga Finished?

No. The manga adaptations of The Apothecary Diaries are ongoing.

The main adaptation began serialization in Monthly Big Gangan in May 2017. Illustrated by Nekokurage and adapted from Natsu Hyuuga's original story, it has been collected into Japanese volumes by Square Enix.

The story follows Maomao as she investigates unusual illnesses, poisoning incidents, and mysteries involving the imperial household.

Because the manga adapts a larger light novel series, readers should not assume that the manga has reached the end of the original story simply because an anime season has concluded.

Why Are There Two Apothecary Diaries Manga Adaptations?

One unusual feature of The Apothecary Diaries is that it has two independently produced manga adaptations.

1. The Apothecary Diaries by Nekokurage

The better-known adaptation is illustrated by Nekokurage, with story composition by Itsuki Nanao and original character designs by Touco Shino.

It is published in Square Enix's Monthly Big Gangan magazine and is the adaptation most commonly associated with the franchise internationally.

This version balances Maomao's investigations with the characters, relationships, and political conflicts surrounding the imperial palace.

2. The Apothecary Diaries: Maomao's Notes from the Inner Palace

The second adaptation is illustrated by Minoji Kurata and published in Shogakukan's Monthly Sunday Gene-X magazine.

It began serialization in August 2017 and has its own chapter numbering, collected volumes, and adaptation choices. It is therefore incorrect to combine its chapters with those of the Nekokurage manga when calculating a single chapter total.

Both adaptations draw on the same original story, but they are separate manga productions.

How Many Volumes Does The Apothecary Diaries Have?

The main manga adaptation had reached 17 Japanese volumes by July 24, 2026. Its English edition is published by Square Enix Manga & Books, with Volume 15 released in March 2026 and Volume 16 scheduled for November 2026.

The alternative adaptation illustrated by Minoji Kurata had reached 22 Japanese volumes by June 2026. These totals refer to different editions and should not be treated as one combined volume count.

English-language publication schedules may lag behind the Japanese releases, so the number of volumes available in English can differ from the number published in Japan.

Is The Apothecary Diaries Manga Ahead of the Anime?

The manga and anime adapt the original light novels, but they progress at different rates.

The anime introduces Maomao's life in the imperial palace, her medical expertise, and her complicated relationship with Jinshi. The manga provides another way to experience these events through illustrated chapters.

However, neither manga chapter numbers nor volume numbers correspond directly to anime episode numbers. Adaptations may also vary in pacing and which details they emphasize.

Readers who want to continue the story beyond the anime should identify the adaptation they are following and check a reliable guide to the relevant story arc.

What Is The Apothecary Diaries About?

The Apothecary Diaries follows Maomao, a young woman with extensive knowledge of medicinal herbs and poisons.

After being taken into service at the imperial palace, she becomes involved in mysterious incidents affecting the imperial household. Her ability to recognize symptoms, analyze evidence, and uncover hidden causes attracts the attention of Jinshi, a powerful palace official.

As the story develops, Maomao's investigations reveal secrets involving court politics, personal rivalries, medical mysteries, and the lives of the people who live and work within the palace.

The series combines historical mystery with character-driven drama, making it appealing to readers who enjoy detective stories and intricate political settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many chapters does The Apothecary Diaries have?

The main manga adaptation illustrated by Nekokurage had reached at least Chapter 87 by June 2026. The series continues to receive new chapters, so readers should check the latest publisher announcements for updates.

How many volumes of The Apothecary Diaries manga are there?

The main Japanese manga edition reached 17 volumes in July 2026. The English edition follows a separate release schedule.

Is The Apothecary Diaries manga finished?

No. The manga is ongoing.

Why does The Apothecary Diaries have two manga versions?

Two separate manga adaptations are published in Japan. One is illustrated by Nekokurage for Square Enix, while the other is illustrated by Minoji Kurata for Shogakukan.

Are the two Apothecary Diaries manga adaptations the same?

They adapt the same original story but are independently produced. Their chapter numbering, volume totals, and publication schedules differ.

Is The Apothecary Diaries originally a manga?

No. The franchise originated as a web novel written by Natsu Hyuuga before being published as a light novel series. The manga adaptations came later.

Who illustrates The Apothecary Diaries manga?

Nekokurage illustrates the main Square Enix adaptation. Minoji Kurata illustrates the alternative adaptation, Maomao's Notes from the Inner Palace.

Final Answer

The main The Apothecary Diaries manga, illustrated by Nekokurage, had reached at least 87 chapters and 17 Japanese volumes by mid-2026. It remains ongoing.

Remember that the series has two separate manga adaptations, each with its own chapters and volumes. For an accurate chapter count, always specify which version you mean.

Originally published on manhwaclan.online.