The Apothecary Diaries Takes the Top Spot
From fun-loving adventure stories like One Piece to gritty dark fantasies like Berserk, manga is one of the most popular mediums in Japan. Recently, Oricon polled over 10,000 users to determine the most loved manga series of 2026, and The Apothecary Diaries took the top spot with over 1,200 votes.
The poll's top 10 manga works are a mix of familiar titles and new favorites, with Frieren: Beyond Journey's End and Spy x Family following closely behind The Apothecary Diaries. The series, which debuted in October 2011 as a web novel, has been praised for its complex characters and skillful handling of plot twists.
The Inspiration Behind The Apothecary Diaries
The Apothecary Diaries revolves around a highly intelligent young woman named Maomao, who uses her knowledge of herbs, medicine, and poison to thwart assassination attempts and unravel political conspiracies within her nation's royal circle. Her investigations are overseen by Jinshi, a eunuch with a mysterious past who finds himself drawn to her despite her eccentric interests.
As several participants expressed, The Apothecary Diaries sets itself apart from other dramas through its meticulous portrayal of characters and their inner thoughts. The series has resonated with readers of all ages, with one female voter in her 30s stating, "I'm curious about what will happen to Maomao and Jinshi in the future."
With its unique blend of mystery, suspense, and complex characters, The Apothecary Diaries has solidified its place as Japan's top manga series of 2026. Whether you're a seasoned manga fan or just discovering the world of Japanese comics, The Apothecary Diaries is definitely worth checking out.
