During the September 2026 Nintendo Direct, Koei Tecmo announced The Apothecary Diaries: The False Imperial Brother, a new game based on the popular light novel and anime series The Apothecary Diaries. The game will be released on Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, and PC via Steam in early 2027, featuring an original story from series creator Natsu Hyuga.
An official description reads: “Two chains of strange phenomenon and conspiracies are causing chaos throughout the rear palace, red-light district, and streets of the capital. Apothecary Maomao must use every ounce of her intelligence and knowledge to solve the mysteries and unveil the truth behind the False Imperial Brother before it destroys the imperial court.“
The Apothecary Diaries tells the tale of Maomao, an unassuming young woman with a sharp mind and extensive knowledge of medicine, raised by her apothecary father. After being kidnapped and sold into service in the hougong (rear palace) of an emperor, her quiet life changes as she is transformed into the lady-in-waiting to the Emperor’s favorite consort.
The original light novel series has sold over 57 million copies worldwide, and was adapted into an anime in 2023. The anime’s third season will begin airing on October 2, followed by a movie spin-off, The Apothecary Diaries the Movie: Bouhi no Hihou, which opens in Japanese theatres on December 11. A live-action TV series was recently announced for Prime Video.
