The Apothecary Diaries Goes on Temporary Hiatus; Know Reason
The Apothecary Diaries manga is on a temporary break as illustrator Nekokurage recovers from strep throat and whooping cough. The series will return in the next issue of Monthly Big Gangan this June.
Fans of The Apothecary Diaries manga will have to wait a little longer for the next chapter. The series is going on a brief break due to the health issues of the manga’s illustrator, Nekokurage.
The artist personally shared the update on their X (formerly Twitter) account, explaining that the upcoming chapter had to be paused due to a worsening illness. During the compiling period, Nekokurage came down with both strep throat and whooping cough. Because of this, they’ve been unable to complete the next chapter in time for release. In their post, they also reminded readers to take care, noting that these infections have been spreading recently.
In addition to Nekokurage’s message, Monthly Big Gangan, the magazine that releases The Apothecary Diaries, officially announced the delay on their social media. The chapter originally scheduled to appear in Volume 06 of the 2025 edition (released May 23) will not be published in this issue. However, the bonus clear file featuring The Apothecary Diaries, which was intended as a special print-only attachment, will still be included as planned.
When will the Next Chapter of The Apothecary Diaries be released?
The next chapter is now expected to return in Monthly Big Gangan Volume 07, which is scheduled for release on June 25, 2025.
This pause comes as a disappointment for many readers, especially since the story has been building steadily. Still, fans have been understanding and have shown support for Nekokurage’s health and recovery.
For those unfamiliar, The Apothecary Diaries follows the story of Maomao, a clever young woman who is sold into service at the emperor’s palace. While working as a maid, she uses her deep knowledge of herbal medicine to solve mysterious illnesses and uncover secrets within the court. Her talents quickly catch the attention of the palace’s head eunuch, and the two begin tackling strange medical cases together. It’s a unique blend of historical drama, mystery, and medical plot that has earned the series a dedicated following.
While this break may be unexpected, the health of the creators is always a priority. We hope Nekokurage makes a swift and full recovery. Until then, fans can revisit past chapters or enjoy the ongoing anime and novel adaptations.
