The upcoming theatrical film Gekijouban Kusuriya no Hitorigoto: Bouki no Hihou (The Apothecary Diaries: The Secret Treasure of the Deceased Consort), set to open on 11 December 2026, has announced a major collaboration with Kintetsu (Kinki Nippon Railway). The joint campaign kicks off on 10 October 2026 and invites fans to explore Nara Prefecture alongside fan-favourite characters Maomao and Jinshi.

About Kusuriya no Hitorigoto

Kusuriya no Hitorigoto (The Apothecary Diaries) is a light-novel series by Natsu Hyuuga, published under the Hero Bunko imprint. It follows Maomao, a young apothecary serving as a poison-taster in the imperial court, as she unravels mysteries under the watchful eye of the eunuch official Jinshi. Two manga adaptations run concurrently in Monthly Big GanGan and Monthly Sunday GX.

The first TV anime season aired from October 2023 across 24 episodes and won a special prize at the TVer Awards 2023. Season 2 began in January 2025 over two consecutive cours, and a third season has already been greenlit. The franchise’s first feature film stars Aoi Yuki as Maomao and Takeo Otsuka as Jinshi.

Digital Quiz Rally: “Maomao & Jinshi — Mystery Journey to Manyō”

The centrepiece of the collaboration is a free Digital Quiz Rally set across Nara’s UNESCO World Cultural Heritage sites in the Asuka-Fujiwara area, as well as Yamato-Koriyama and Yoshino. The event is divided into two legs:

• Autumn Journey: 10 October – 30 November 2026
• Winter Journey: 1 December 2026 – 24 January 2027

Using a smartphone and the dedicated website, participants visit their choice of 3, 5, or 10 checkpoints, answer quiz questions tied to each location, and earn Digital Stamps. Collected stamps can then be exchanged for one original collab prize at designated redemption venues, provided the participant places an order of at least ¥400 (tax included).

Checkpoint Locations

• 4 major Kintetsu stations
• 12 locations within Nara Prefecture
• 3 additional points (to be added on 1 November, 1 December, and 22 December respectively)

※ At least one Nara Prefecture checkpoint must be visited to redeem prizes. Full checkpoint details are available on the dedicated website.

Prize Redemption Venues

• FamilyMart Kintetsu Kashiharajingu-mae Station
• Caffè Ciao Presso – Kyoto Miyakomichi
• Caffè Ciao Presso – Uehonmachi Station
• Caffè Ciao Presso – Abeno Harukas
• Caffè Ciao Presso & Cook House – Saidaiji Station
• Caffè Ciao Presso & YAMATO BREWERY – Nara Station
• Caffè Ciao Presso – Nagoya Station (ground floor)
• Caffè Ciao Presso – Yokkaichi Station

Original Voice Content on Board

Passengers riding Kintetsu trains on designated routes can access an Original Voice Content page via the dedicated website on their smartphones. While the train is in motion through specific sections, they can listen to Maomao and Jinshi introduce sightseeing highlights along the line. Eligible sections include:

• Kashihara Line: Yamato-Saidaiji – Yamato-Yagi
• Minami-Osaka & Yoshino Lines: Takada-shi – Kashiharajingu-mae – Asuka
• Osaka Line: Yamato-Takada – Murouguchi-Ono
• Yoshino Line: Tsubosakazan – Yoshino

Collab Café Menu at Caffè Ciao Presso

Participating CAFFE CIAO PRESSO branches will serve special collab items — including a Collab Cappuccino and a Collab Cake Set — from 10 October 2026 through 31 March 2027. Available menu items vary by location.

Exclusive Merchandise

A range of limited-edition goods will be on sale from 10 October 2026 to 31 March 2027, including:

• A4 Clear File
• Towel Handkerchief
• Acrylic Stand
• Acrylic Keychain
• Thermo Stainless Mug
• Pouch

※ Some items go on sale from 30 October 2026. Merchandise is available at GOTO-CHI (Nara, Namba, and Kyoto branches), irodori kintetsu Abenobashi, THROBBING.cosme+ Uehonmachi, and the sales counter aboard the sightseeing express Ao no Symphony (Blue Symphony).

Collab Wrapping Train

A Kusuriya no Hitorigoto-themed wrapping train will begin service on 10 October 2026, running primarily on the Osaka-Abenobashi – Kashiharajingu-mae – Yoshino route. The train consists of a four-car Series 6620 set and is scheduled to operate through approximately late January 2027.

On launch day (10 October, 13:00), a reveal event will be held on the platform and in front of the west ticket gate at Osaka-Abenobashi Station, including a Maomao character greeting. Attendance is free, but a platform entry ticket is required.

Travelling from Afar? Try the Tokaido Shinkansen Collab

Fans travelling to the Osaka–Nara area from further afield on the JR Tokai Tokaido Shinkansen can also take part in the “Petit Kusuriya Journey on the Tokaido Shinkansen”, organised under JR Tokai’s “Oshi-Tabi” (Fan Travel) initiative. The programme features an exclusive in-train certification quiz and original special benefits for participants.