The world of anime continues to grow, and one series that has captured the hearts of many is "The Apothecary Diaries" by Natsu Hyuga, which has recently surpassed 40 million copies in circulation. This remarkable achievement is celebrated not only through its popularity in print but also through an exciting collaboration with Universal Studios Japan (USJ) as part of their year-long event, "Universal Studios Japan 2025." This collaboration marks the second installment of the event, commemorating the park's 10th anniversary and promises an immersive experience under the slogan "NO LIMIT!"
USJ announced that the attraction will deliver the world of "The Apothecary Diaries" as a "super-real" experience, allowing fans to step into the universe of the beloved series. The event is set to open on July 1, 2025, and will be available for a limited time. The first installment of "Universal Studios Japan 2025" currently features attractions like "Detective Conan World" and the participatory real mystery show "Higashino Keigo Original 'Masquerade' Series 'The Targeted Masquerade Ball.'"
As anticipation builds for the collaboration, the official anime account of "The Apothecary Diaries" on X (formerly Twitter) has been actively promoting the event. A special visual for the collaboration features a playful twist on the series' famous line, "This is poison," altered to read "This is Osaka," which has resonated with fans, garnering over 10,000 reposts on social media. Fans have expressed their excitement, with comments like, "Congratulations on the collaboration with USJ!" and "I decided to buy an annual pass after two years!"
In addition to the USJ collaboration, "The Apothecary Diaries" has also been recognized for its popularity among younger audiences. ABEMA recently released its list of the "Top 5 Most Popular Anime Among Teens" on its official TikTok account, where "The Apothecary Diaries" ranked second. The ranking reflects the series' broad appeal, with viewers praising characters and story developments. One viewer mentioned, "Koran is a healing presence," while another noted, "I never saw this plot twist coming!"
Leading the list was "Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World-" which took the top spot, showcasing the competitive nature of anime popularity among teens. Following "The Apothecary Diaries" in third place was "SAKAMOTO DAYS," which has generated significant buzz since its TV anime adaptation began airing in January 2025.
As part of the ongoing excitement, ABEMA has announced free streaming periods for various anime series. Episodes 1-24 of "Solo Leveling" will be available for free from March 31 to April 7, 2025, while episodes 25-35 of "The Apothecary Diaries" Season 2 are available for free streaming until March 30, 2025. This initiative aims to engage viewers and encourage them to explore new series.
The success of "The Apothecary Diaries" and its collaboration with USJ highlights the growing intersection between anime and theme park experiences. Fans are eager to see how the series will be brought to life in a theme park setting, and the excitement surrounding the collaboration is palpable. With such a strong fanbase and recognition among teens, it's clear that "The Apothecary Diaries" is not just a passing trend but a significant player in the anime landscape.
As the anime community eagerly awaits the USJ attraction and the continuation of the series, it is evident that "The Apothecary Diaries" will continue to thrive, captivating audiences with its unique storytelling and engaging characters. The collaboration with USJ is just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting year for fans of the series.
