by The world of The Apothecary Diaries has taken on a magical Halloween atmosphere! The official anime project, titled “The Wizards’ Halloween Night,” has unveiled its second set of special character illustrations, featuring Luo Ban and Lu Sun in stylish wizard costumes. Alongside the new artwork, a mini voice drama starring the two characters has also been released, giving fans another chance to enjoy their personalities through a special Halloween-themed interaction.
The illustrations were revealed on October 30, 2026, as part of a three-day promotional campaign celebrating The Apothecary Diaries Halloween 2026. Luo Ban is voiced by Toshiyuki Toyonaga, while Koki Uchiyama provides the voice of Lu Sun. Both characters appear in mysterious, fantasy-inspired outfits that perfectly match the event’s magical theme.
The new artwork has attracted attention for its elegant designs and atmospheric details. Luo Ban is shown holding a thick book while magical water swirls around his feet. Lu Sun, meanwhile, stands calmly as a crow rests on the back of his hand, creating an image that feels both mysterious and enchanting.
The mini voice drama adds another layer to the announcement. Rather than offering illustrations alone, the special video lets viewers enjoy an interaction between the two characters, with their original voice actors returning for the occasion.
The Halloween campaign is particularly exciting for fans because it brings together characters from different parts of the series in an imaginative new setting. And with the third and final character reveal now also available, the complete Halloween collection has become an even bigger attraction for viewers.
Luo Ban and Lu Sun Take Centre Stage in the Second Halloween Reveal
The second instalment of The Apothecary Diaries Halloween 2026 introduces Luo Ban and Lu Sun as magical characters dressed for a mysterious Halloween night.
Both characters wear fashionable wizard-inspired outfits, giving them a different appearance from their usual designs in the television anime.
Luo Ban (CV: Toshiyuki Toyonaga) is illustrated holding a large, thick book in one hand. Swirling water surrounds his feet, suggesting that he is using or controlling some kind of magical power. The combination of the book, water effects, and elegant costume gives his illustration a scholarly yet mysterious atmosphere.
Lu Sun (CV: Koki Uchiyama) is presented in a quieter but equally striking pose. A crow is drawn toward the back of his hand, creating a dark, magical atmosphere that fits the Halloween theme. His calm expression and composed posture make the illustration particularly distinctive.
The two designs also create an interesting visual contrast. Luo Ban’s illustration focuses on a book and flowing water, while Lu Sun’s features a crow and a more subdued magical presence.
Although these are special promotional designs rather than new character developments in the main story, they offer fans a fresh way to enjoy two familiar characters.
Mini Voice Drama Brings the Two Characters Together
Along with the second character illustrations, the production team released a special video featuring a mini voice drama starring Luo Ban and Lu Sun.
The short drama gives fans an opportunity to hear Toshiyuki Toyonaga and Koki Uchiyama reprise their respective roles in a Halloween-themed interaction.
According to the video’s introduction, the story begins with Lu Sun spending time with his companion when Luo Ban approaches him. The brief encounter creates an entertaining setup for their conversation and adds a little extra personality to the Halloween illustrations.
This is one of the most enjoyable aspects of the campaign. The special videos do not simply display the new artwork; they also use the characters’ voices to create a small story around each pair.
For viewers who enjoy the original Japanese performances, the mini voice drama is an additional treat. It allows fans to experience the characters in a different situation without requiring a full anime episode.
The combination of new illustrations, familiar voices, and short character interactions makes the Halloween project more engaging than a standard promotional image release.
What Is The Wizards’ Halloween Night Campaign?
The Wizards’ Halloween Night is a special promotional campaign organised for The Apothecary Diaries Halloween 2026.
The project features newly illustrated versions of selected characters dressed as wizards, with magical objects and supernatural visual effects inspired by Halloween.
The campaign was designed around a three-day release schedule. Each day introduced a new pair of characters through a special illustration and a mini voice drama.
The first instalment featured Maomao and Zhao Yu, followed by Luo Ban and Lu Sun in the second instalment. The third and final reveal introduced Jinshi and Basen.
This structure gave the promotional campaign a sense of anticipation, as fans could look forward to discovering which characters would appear next.
The illustrations also provide a different perspective on the characters. Instead of their familiar clothing and surroundings from the imperial palace and the wider world of the series, they appear in a fantasy setting filled with magical imagery.
For fans, the campaign is a fun celebration of the anime’s character designs and voice performances.
New Halloween Merchandise Announced for November 2026
The Halloween artwork is not limited to online illustrations and special videos. New merchandise featuring the campaign’s character designs has also been announced.
The products will feature Maomao, Zhao Yu, Jinshi, Basen, Luo Ban, and Lu Sun in their wizard-themed Halloween outfits.
The announced merchandise includes:
- Acrylic stands
- Character badge collections
- Acrylic art panels
- Other character-themed collectible items
The products are scheduled to go on sale in Japan on November 14, 2026.
Animate will also hold a special event titled “The Apothecary Diaries Halloween Fair 2026: The Wizards’ Halloween Night in Animate.” The campaign is scheduled to run from November 14 to November 29, 2026, at participating Animate stores and through Animate’s online shop.
Visitors who meet the campaign’s purchase conditions can receive a special visual card as a bonus. Fans interested in collecting the Halloween illustrations should check the participating store details and purchase requirements before visiting.
This merchandise announcement gives the Halloween project a longer life beyond the initial three-day reveal, allowing fans to collect physical items featuring the new artwork.
The Apothecary Diaries Season 3 Is Currently Airing
The Halloween campaign arrives while Season 3 of The Apothecary Diaries is airing in Japan.
The third season began on October 2, 2026, and is broadcast every Friday at 11:00 PM on Nippon Television’s FRIDAY ANIME NIGHT programming block. The series is being shown across Nippon Television’s nationwide 30-station network, with streaming services making episodes available after their television broadcast.
Season 3 is being released as a split-cour production. The first part began in October 2026, while the second part is scheduled to begin in April 2027.
The new season expands the story beyond the imperial palace, taking Maomao and Jinshi into the wider world and introducing new mysteries and challenges.
After becoming involved in numerous investigations within the rear palace, Maomao now faces cases that connect to the lives of ordinary people and the political situation surrounding the country.
Jinshi also has to confront responsibilities connected to his true identity and royal position. As the story develops, the two characters become involved in a mystery surrounding a possible national disaster and rumours about a mysterious celestial maiden.
The changing setting gives Season 3 a broader scope while preserving the series’ familiar combination of investigation, medicine, politics, and character drama.
New Season 3 Opening and Ending Theme Songs
The third season also features new theme songs performed by popular Japanese artists.
The opening theme is “Kumo wo Nuke Kazashimo e Watashi Dake” by Yorushika. The song accompanies the season’s opening sequence, which contains visual details and imagery connected to the mysteries that Maomao and Jinshi encounter.
The ending theme is “AIYOU” by Eve.
The two songs give the new season a fresh musical identity while continuing the franchise’s tradition of pairing its mysterious atmosphere with distinctive Japanese music.
The First Apothecary Diaries Movie Arrives in Japanese Cinemas in December
Another major development for the franchise is its first theatrical anime film, The Apothecary Diaries: The Late Lady’s Treasure.
The movie is scheduled to open in Japanese cinemas on December 11, 2026. Its story is based on a completely new concept from original author Natsu Hyuga, making it an important addition to the franchise beyond the television series.
The film follows Maomao and Jinshi as they travel to the southern homeland of a consort who died in the imperial palace five years earlier. Their mission is to return her remains to her birthplace.
However, the journey soon becomes more complicated. Maomao encounters unfamiliar plants and medicines, while the pair become involved in a mystery surrounding the deceased consort, hidden treasure, and dangerous waterborne raiders.
A mysterious boy named Mu Qing also plays an important role in the story.
The movie will be directed by Norihiro Naganuma, with animation production handled by TOHO Animation Studio.
International distribution has also been announced. Crunchyroll has acquired theatrical distribution rights for North America and other international territories outside Asia, including India, with Sony Pictures Entertainment involved in distribution. International release dates and ticket information are to be announced separately.
Why The Apothecary Diaries Continues to Attract Fans
One of the biggest strengths of The Apothecary Diaries is its ability to combine different genres without losing its central identity.
At its heart, the series follows Maomao, a young woman with an exceptional understanding of medicines, poisons, and traditional remedies. Her knowledge makes her valuable in situations where other characters struggle to identify the cause of an illness or uncover the truth behind a mysterious incident.
However, the story is not simply a collection of medical mysteries.
It also explores palace politics, complicated family relationships, social class, personal ambitions, and the secrets surrounding the imperial household.
Maomao’s sharp observations and unusual personality make her an engaging central character. Her habit of approaching dangerous situations with curiosity rather than fear often leads to unexpected discoveries.
Jinshi provides another important dimension to the story. His relationship with Maomao develops through their investigations, while his position and responsibilities create additional political and personal complications.
Supporting characters such as Luo Ban and Lu Sun help expand the world beyond the central pair. Their appearances in the Halloween campaign also allow fans to celebrate characters who may not always receive the same promotional attention as Maomao and Jinshi.
The popularity of the light novel, manga, and anime adaptations has helped establish The Apothecary Diaries as one of the most recognisable modern mystery-fantasy franchises.
A Magical Halloween Celebration for The Apothecary Diaries Fans
The second Halloween 2026 character reveal has given fans another memorable look at the world of The Apothecary Diaries. Luo Ban and Lu Sun stand out in their wizard-inspired costumes, with the swirling water surrounding Luo Ban and the crow accompanying Lu Sun adding a mysterious touch to the artwork.
The mini voice drama makes the release even more enjoyable by bringing the two characters together through a special interaction performed by their original voice actors.
The campaign has since concluded its three-day character reveal with Jinshi and Basen, alongside a group illustration featuring the Halloween versions of the characters. New merchandise based on the designs is also scheduled to arrive in Japanese Animate stores on November 14.
Meanwhile, Season 3 continues to expand Maomao and Jinshi’s story, and the first theatrical film is approaching its December 11 Japanese release.
With new episodes, special promotional videos, collectible artwork, and a theatrical movie on the way, 2026 is an especially exciting year for fans of The Apothecary Diaries.
Whether viewers are following the latest mysteries in Season 3 or enjoying the Halloween illustrations, the franchise continues to offer plenty of reasons to celebrate its memorable characters.
