Fans of The Apothecary Diaries have much to celebrate this summer, as the beloved anime's collaboration café event returns for a second edition. Kusuriya Festival Vol.2 will take place between 4 July and 27 July 2025, and will be hosted across three major cities in Japan: Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya, in partnership with Natslive Café.
Kusuriya Festival Vol.2: More than a collab
Based on the popular light novel series by Natsu Hyuuga and Touko Shino, The Apothecary Diaries has taken the anime world by storm. Set in the imperial court of a fictional ancient Chinese-inspired empire, the story follows Maomao, a sharp-witted herbalist-turned-lady-in-waiting, as she unravels medical mysteries and political schemes.
The Kusuriya Festival is a natural extension of this universe, giving fans a tangible way to step into Maomao's world.
● Kusuriya Festival - Event Locations:
Tokyo: Natslive Café Harajuku
Osaka: Natslive Café Shinsaibashi
Nagoya: Natslive Café Sakae
●Themed Menu Highlights
Natslive Café has become known for its dedication to culinary quality in anime collaborations, and Kusuriya Festival Vol.2 is no exception. The menu features dishes inspired by the anime's characters and setting.
Highlights include:
1. Maomao's Chicken Pepper Wraps
猫猫の蛇肉風青椒肉絲 – Chinjao Rosu-style Chicken Wraps - Price: ¥1,540 (tax included)
These soft white buns are filled with a colourful stir-fry of julienned chicken, bell peppers, and savoury sauce — a nod to Maomao's clever disguises and the “snake meat” rumour in the imperial court. Served with a playful cat-shaped fried bun on the side.
2. Lord Jinshi’s Moonlit Dance Tofu Pudding
王氏の月精の舞 豆花 – Tofa Dessert with Blueberry Sauce - Price: ¥1,210 (tax included)
A delicate Chinese-style tofu pudding, topped with rich blueberry sauce and soft jelly cubes, inspired by Jinshi's elegance and the mystique surrounding his identity. Silky, dreamy, and indulgently light.
3. Suiren's Sweet-and-Sour Black Vinegar Pork
選択の廊 黒酢酢豚 - Black Vinegar Sweet and Sour Pork - Price: ¥1,540 (tax included)
A hearty dish of tender pork pieces coated in a thick black vinegar sauce, accompanied by colourful vegetables. Symbolising Suiren's intensity and complex choices in the palace corridors.
4. Secret Egg Tart of the Waterfall Jar
滝壺の中の秘密エッグタルト - Price: ¥1,210 (tax included)
A decadent egg tart filled with custard and citrus accents, topped with spun sugar threads. A metaphor for the hidden truths Maomao uncovers — layered, rich, and carefully constructed.
5. Inner Palace Sweets Plate
後宮スイーツプレート - Price: ¥1,320 (tax included)
A colourful medley of sweets representing the elegance of the women's quarters: fruit tarts, layered cake, mooncake, and soft confections. Each item offers a distinct texture and taste, capturing the diversity of palace life.
A range of exclusive character-inspired non-alcoholic drinks is also available, each priced at ¥770 (tax included):
1. Maomao's Herbal Jasmine Tea
猫猫の薬屋ジャスミン茶(キウイフルーツ): A refreshing green jasmine tea with a twist of kiwi fruit, symbolising Maomao's role as a court herbalist — calming, sharp, and invigorating.
2. Lord Jinshi's Kiwi Apple Juice
王氏のキウイアップルジュース(キウイフルーツ・りんご): Elegant and enigmatic, this rich purple blend of kiwi and apple mirrors Jinshi's refined and mysterious presence within the palace.
3. Lady Gyokuyo's Strawberry Lychee Soda
玉葉妃のイチゴソルティライチ(りんご): A vivid pink drink combining sweet strawberry and lychee, inspired by the graceful and affectionate Empress Gyokuyo.
4. Lady Rikka's Jewel Muscat Juice
梨花妃のジュエリーマスカットジュース(オレンジ): This sparkling blue muscat juice with hints of orange resembles delicate gems, reflecting Rikka's elegant and composed personality.
5. Lady Rishu's Grapefruit Peach Juice
里樹妃のグレフルピーチジュース(もも): A gentle pink blend of grapefruit and peach representing Lady Rishu’s warm, nurturing character and quiet strength.
6. Lady Pairan's Berry Mix Smoothie
楼蘭妃のベリーミックススムージー(りんご): A deep, rich berry smoothie with apple, capturing the mature charm and depth of Lady Pairan.
Kusuriya Festival Limited Edition Goods
One of the event's major draws is the exclusive line-up of collaboration goods, available only at the participating cafés or via pre-order on Natslive's official online shop. The newly unveiled Kusuriya Festival Vol.2 merchandise includes a wide selection of collectables featuring both standard and deformed (chibi-style) illustrations of fan-favourite characters.
Kusuriya Key items include:
Acrylic Stands – ¥1,540
Deformed Acrylic Stands (Random) – ¥1,100
Deformed Acrylic Stands (Complete Set of 8) – ¥8,800
Deformed Acrylic Panels – ¥2,420
Acrylic Stand Coasters – ¥1,540
Deformed Acrylic Coasters (Random) – ¥770
Deformed Acrylic Coasters (Set of 8) – ¥6,160
Deformed Swinging Key Holders – ¥990
Deformed Acrylic Key Holders (Random) – ¥770
Deformed Acrylic Key Holders (Set of 8) – ¥6,160
Can Badges (Random) – ¥550
Can Badges (Complete Set of 10) – ¥5,500
All items are available for pre-order and produced in limited quantities, making them highly desirable among collectors. Each product showcases original illustrations created specifically for this event, making them a perfect memento for fans of The Apothecary Diaries.