Kenshi Yonezu performs theme song for The Apothecary Diaries movie

The movie The Apothecary Diaries: Naki Hime no Hihō now has a main theme. Kenshi Yonezu will perform "Haru ga Akari," a song composed specifically for the film, which opens in Japan on December 11, 2026. The announcement comes with a new trailer, the main poster, and a character relationship chart.

According to the statement released by the production committee, Yonezu worked on the song after meeting with the original author, Natsu Hyūga, and the director, Norihiro Naganuma. The musician explained that, besides the script, his main reference was Japanese children's songs. He cited two in particular: "Tulip" and "Antagata Dokosa," a traditional melody sung in children's games.

"What I consulted while reading the script were children's songs. In particular, 'Tulip' and 'Antagata Dokosa' influenced me a lot," Yonezu said. The musician describes the song as a piece with the warmth of a circle game song and a certain nostalgia, one that accompanies the story of Maomao and those around her in the film.

"The inheritance that arises between people, and their fate, does not necessarily require anyone's approval or an official procedure. Each person resolves it and chooses it on their own. It is a song called Haru ga Akari. I look forward to your support."

A franchise that keeps growing

The Apothecary Diaries began as a light novel written by Natsu Hyūga with illustrations by Touko Shino, published by Hero Bunko. The story follows Maomao, a young woman who works as a poison taster in the inner palace and solves mysteries thanks to her knowledge of medicines and toxins. The series has more than 57 million copies in circulation worldwide.

The TV anime premiered its second season in January 2025 and became one of the most-watched titles of the year. According to the data collected in the news, it topped ABEMA's streaming ranking in the first half of 2025, both in the general category and in premieres. It also won the grand prize at the TikTok Trend Awards 2025 and was the most-watched anime on Crunchyroll during the April 2025 season. The third season has been airing since October 2, 2026.

Image from the announcement of the film's main theme.animeanime.jp

The film's plot

The movie starts with an order from the emperor to Jinshi: fulfill the last wish of a consort who died five years ago and return her body to her homeland. Maomao and Jinshi travel to Minanshū, the territory controlled by the Mi clan, to investigate a corpse preserved in a strangely perfect state. There they meet Ginsan, the former head of the deceased's maids, and Muqing, the clan's youngest son.

The situation gets complicated when Suija appears, the leader of the pirates searching for the treasure hidden by the clan's previous head. On top of that, the corpse's head is stolen and Muqing is kidnapped. Several incidents that seem unrelated end up connecting into a single truth.

Relationship chart of the movie's characters.animeanime.jp

The main poster shows a wounded Maomao next to Muqing, with Jinshi holding a sword and other characters such as Gaoshun, Rakan, Jakusei, Ginsan, and the members of the Kadan pirate group. The slogan accompanying the image is "A hidden truth, a last wish."

The cast keeps Aoi Yūki as Maomao and Takeo Ōtsuka as Jinshi. Mariya Ise joins as Muqing. Norihiro Naganuma directs, with script by Yūko Kakihara. Animation is by TOHO animation STUDIO and distribution in Japan is by Tōhō.

Yonezu will begin his biggest tour to date in November, "Kenshi Yonezu 2026 TOUR / GHOST." Before that, on December 11, his song will play in Japanese theaters alongside Maomao's story.

What do you think of Yonezu's choice for the movie? Tell us in the comments.