“I Wasn’t Even in the Credits”: The Apothecary Diaries Hid Famous Voice Actor to Keep the Suspense

Warning: Spoilers Ahead for The Apothecary Diaries Season 2!

The Apothecary Diaries is preparing to conclude its second season in merely two remaining episodes, as the conflict with the Shi Clan nears its finale. Shenmei, who was previously the Shi Clan’s head’s daughter and now wife of the current leader, found herself forced into a position as the former Emperor’s concubine, despite having been betrothed to Shishou. After Shishou consented to marry the estranged daughter of the previous Emperor, Shenmei was permitted to return to her own clan. It was then that she started plotting a rebellion against the Imperial Family and aimed to seize the throne for herself. For over two decades, she had been meticulously planning, stockpiling gunpowder, acquiring modern weapons, and recruiting soldiers in anticipation of her vengeance.

During these events, Shishou chose to stay on the sidelines and was unwilling to oppose Shenei. Meanwhile, Shenmei’s daughter, Loulan, harbored secret intentions. Given Shenmei’s wicked character, she could never forgive Shishou, yet they had a child together for ulterior motives. Shenmei aimed to use her daughter, sending her to the Rear Palace as one of the top concubines. However, Loulan, the “puppet” Shenmei raised, unexpectedly defied her. In the first season of the anime, Loulan was introduced, but it was only recently that her voice actor was disclosed.

The Apothecary Diaries Reveals Loulan’s Voice Actor is Asami Seto

Instead of airing Season 2, Episode 23 on June 20th, 2025, the TV network ABEMA chose to air a special episode featuring voice actors like Aoi Yuki (Maomao), Takeo Ōtsuka (Jinshi), Asami Seto (Loulan/Shisui), and Kaori Nazuka (Suirei). Asami Seto is recognized for voicing characters such as Nobara Kugisaki from Jujutsu Kaisen, Mina Ashiro from Kaiju No. 8, and various other roles.

In previous episodes of this anime, similar scenarios have occurred, yet this is the inaugural appearance of Seto and Nazuka. Excitedly, Seto revealed, “It’s a pleasure to unveil myself in such a way and announce that I am portraying Shisui/Loulan. I’ve been part of the series since its inception, but my character wasn’t acknowledged as Princess Loulan in the credits until now. So, it feels great to finally be able to make this revelation!

Seto added, “I haven’t really discussed ‘The Apothecary Diaries’ with many people yet, but it’s great that we can reminisce about it now.

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As the episode concluded, Seto encouraged viewers to catch the season finale as well. She shared, “Once the dubbing process was complete, I felt a mix of pride and solitude, so it was wonderful to revisit it alongside my co-stars while watching the footage together. With only two episodes remaining, I truly hope you won’t miss out on the rest!

Even though Seto had been part of the team since its inception, her contributions went unacknowledged in the credits because it was intended to be a surprise that Shisui and Loulan were actually one person. This secret was finally unveiled in Season 2’s Episode 20, following which Seto made her debut as Loulan’s voice actor on the ABEMA program.

The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 Sheds Light on Loulan’s Character

Loulan, belonging to the Shi Clan, was manipulated for political gains, yet she yearned for a different existence. She often employed attendants who resembled her physically. Moreover, she had specific preferences regarding their makeup and extravagant clothing, making it challenging to distinguish them. On occasion, Loulan would substitute herself with a decoy in her pavilion and secretly step out for leisure activities.

Loulan harbored a significant plot to defy her mother during the uprising, but disguising herself as a servant maid had nothing to do with that scheme. Instead, she adopted this role merely to break free from her oppressively restrictive lifestyle and live authentically. In secret, she pursued her interests and formed friendships with Maomao and Xiaolon, all while maintaining the facade of an ordinary, eccentric girl.

She’s been engaged in that activity since she was a child, and her mother, who was not particularly interested in her, couldn’t even identify her as her own. Shisui and Loulan are so distinct from each other that Maomao, the genius, found it hard to see any resemblance between them, despite their shared physical traits like build, hair color, and eye color. Although Maomao had some reservations, she chose not to delve too deeply into the matter.

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2025-06-22 16:10