Michelle Topham 
Note: Slight spoilers for the second cour of The Apothecary Diaries below
Along with just how superb The Apothecary Diaries anime is in every way, I have also been loving the modern sound of both the anime’s opening and ending theme songs (OP ‘Become a Flower‘ by Ryokuoushoku Shakai and ED ‘Aikotoba‘ by Aina the End).
Both of which have served to accentuate the beauty and intricacy of the more traditional world the anime takes place in.
With the second cour of the anime premiering today on Crunchyroll, the second The Apothecary Diaries opening theme song has now been released, along with a new creditless opening sequence that is just as gorgeous as you might expect.
That new opening theme song is Uru’s ‘Ambivalent‘, and it plays against the background of scenes from the anime’s second cour.
The Apothecary Diaries second cour opening animation
Those scenes include:
- the introduction of military tactician Lakan who soon becomes someone important in Maomao’s life
- Jinshi trying to stop Maomao sampling poison
- Jinshi participating in a ceremony that becomes life-threatening
- Lihaku building his muscles so he can attract the attention of a certain woman
- the beautiful women from the Verdigris House
- Precious Consort Gyokuyou cuddling her daughter and the other consorts, including new addition to the Emperor’s concubines the eccentric Loulan.
And, of course, Jinshi and Maomao becoming more and more aware of each other as the eunuch’s secret is closer to being revealed.
Just like the previous The Apothecary Dairies opening, the second cour’s opening sequence is a goldmine of hints about what is to come if you know what you are looking for.
As for Uru’s ‘Ambivalent‘, the new opening theme song is a sweet, upbeat song with a catchy melody and beat that, at first listen, is a little innocuous until, by the third listen, you realize you are already playing it on repeat.
And feeling like getting up and dancing to it.
The Japanese singer herself had this to say about singing the theme song:
I am honored to be able to sing the opening theme song for a work that is loved by so many people.
The main character, Maomao, is a very inspiring character for me, and as I read the book, I was drawn to her charm. I wrote the lyrics while linking this feeling with Jinshi, and I think the words are such that the listeners will be able to remember someone they admire in their daily lives.
I would be happy if this song, which features an expression that shows a new side of me, brightens“Yakusha no Hitorigoto”.
Watch the gorgeous new opening sequence for The Apothecary Diaries second cour below, and listen to the snippet of Uru’s ‘Ambivalent‘ playing through it.
Oddly, like many anime theme songs, ‘Ambivalent‘ is not being released officially until January 20th (January 14th for the CD), but you can learn more about it and the new ending theme via the anime’s official website.
RELATED: What is the insert song in The Apothecary Diaries, Episode 9 as Maomao and Jinshi talk about death?
About the Author
Steven Reynolds 
