Maomao Dances in Starlight | The Apothecary Diaries

Episode 24: An unforgettable dance bathed in starlight. Watch The Apothecary Diaries on Crunchyroll! got.cr/cc-tad
Maomao lived a peaceful life with her apothecary father. Until one day, she’s sold as a lowly servant to the emperor’s palace. But she wasn’t meant for a compliant life among royalty. So when imperial heirs fall ill, she decides to step in and find a cure! This catches the eye of Jinshi, a handsome palace official who promotes her. Now, she’s making a name for herself solving medical mysteries!
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[@crunchyroll]

For more breathtaking moments, watch The Apothecary Diaries on Crunchyroll! got.cr/cc-tad

[@gonzalotorres5282]

Add subs to the dance theme, it gives more meaning.

[@baconprince8496]

What the song

[@Dorian_Scott]

Maomao in this scene: 💃 ( *_Graceful like a swan_* ) Maomao throughout most of the show: 🥴 ( *Unhinged gremlin* )

[@jamesmcdavid1673]

Maomao when someone is careless with poison: 😠 (Scarier than Batman)

[@hicehamer1337]

Maomao with rare ingredients: 😻😻😻

[@pabloserranoortiz5557]

WARNING⚠️:??? . I SOMETIMES IMAGINE DREAMING💭 ABOUT SWANS🦢(DON'T ASK ME WHY,PLEASE).

[@Victoria-_]

😂😂

[@Liebegrue-ul9zy]

She is not gremlin, she's a cat

[@onesmileybaldy8303]

I was actually thrown aback by this dance with the way the camera keeps shifting but her motion is always clean. What an amazing piece of animation!

[@HesmiyuMC]

an example of good 3d animation usage

[@onesmileybaldy8303]

⁠@@HesmiyuMCwhere is the 3d tho? Everything I saw here is pure 2d

[@warshinlataupe823]

Non il a raison, certain moment son en 3D​@@onesmileybaldy8303

[@snottymcsnotdragger2163]

@@onesmileybaldy8303 I assume they used a 3d model as a reference for the dance and then draw a 2d character over it. The best way I can describe it is possibly rotoscoping??

[@NanaKwarteng]

Pure art. Very good animation

[@HiranoMagu]

I love how this dance is a farewell to a courtesan being bought off and they use it to say goodbye to this season. This anime definitely deserves more attention for how well paced the story is and how connected each episode is to one another. I'm so happy that a second season is already confirmed. Here's hoping for more Jinshi & Maomao moments for the next season ☺

[@brendacabrera1104]

When will be released?

[@blursed2858]

@@brendacabrera1104 Sometime in 2025. They haven't confirmed a date tho

[@Grayson-Winchester]

It was a beautiful ending to the winter season and apothecary diaries season 1. Can't wait for season 2

[@G4KW]

Same

[@jazzywuzzydoubunhgu2944]

All I can say is huge frog

[@chriswihulu]

​@@jazzywuzzydoubunhgu2944 average "slimy" frog😂😂😂

[@TheOracle.]

We discovering huge frogs in the second season with this one 🗣🗣🗣

[@monke7566]

​@@jazzywuzzydoubunhgu2944average sized frog*

[@EliSkylander]

She is the flower. She is the glass case around the flower. She is the curtain over the glass case. And she is the person who put the curtain there. Fantastic.

[@ifratjahan7779]

What does it mean?

[@ffdreams]

@@ifratjahan7779my interpretation is ones with beauty are the ones who choose how to display their beauty and to who. Maomao is beautiful like a flower but she deliberately hide her beauty from society only showing it to a selected few

[@ifratjahan7779]

@@ffdreams oooooohh.

[@alisa.6]

I can proudly say that Maomao is my favourite female character!! I just love her🤭🤭

[@Tonyten39]

SAME 😊😍

[@FFKonoko]

So who is your favourite male character that is also your favourite character?

[@ag7898]

She is great. And I love the fact that they really haven't done the "love interest" with her.

[@Xiea69]

@@ag7898they have but they haven’t made it part of her character

[@AnniceDamulira]

Same she's one of my favourite female leads in anime

[@endginuity8391]

From the stars to the movements of her dress, this whole scene had me captivated Really gonna miss this series

[@drkTmplar422a]

There’s a season 2 in production

[@endginuity8391]

@@drkTmplar422a I know 2025 can't get here sooner

[@Jakekorney]

One of the best female characters out there.

[@joaoafonso211]

Simmmmm 😍 MAMAO SUPREMCY 🛐

[@thebabyshpee6508]

One of the best characters out there period

[@TheMegaBenwar]

She's just so beautiful and breathtaking, in so many ways. She's the kind of woman WARS are fought over.

[@melonlord1414]

🐸

[@toastmaster914]

No that's jinshi

[@jonlava173]

“Omoisaku Toki” “When Wishes Bloom” The Apothecary Diaries (Original Anime Soundtrack) Track 33 performed by AOIEMA One of the most beautiful dances in anime I’ve ever seen. Maomao performs a send off dance for her mother as a wedding gift. A touching beautiful moment where she reveals her hidden heart, a hidden wish for her mother’s happiness and a brief moment of respite for her estranged parents after years of tragedy.

[@andyjo7838]

Thank you.

[@thelilidiot]

We gotta give Maomao big props for dancing without hearing any music. We can hear music, but she danced in silence.

[@sallyt.4786]

For anyone wondering the song is already out: When wishes bloom or 想い咲く時 (omoi saku toki) by aoiema

[@AppleBloom21]

Thank you I was looking for it when the episode dropped and could not find it.

[@gen7359]

ty bro!!

[@triplechinnn4726]

Thank you, I was just going to comment asking if anyone knew the song!

[@backgroundnpc9631]

0:58 - That lingering moment where she stares at the fingertip that got cut off and gave her nightmares her whole life, then continues her dance to honor her mother's wedding anyway.

[@silentspirit8923]

I just love how flowy the sleeves and the skirt are! ❤

[@zoraackerman1684]

Right? Especially when she twirls around like girrrrrl. ❤

[@williewillus]

traditional Chinese clothing tends to be flowier than what you usually see in more Japanese media

[@Just_Some_Guy_with_a_Mustache]

Jinshi... puts hand on his shoulder I get it, now.

[@KiraAotsuki]

Implying you didn't get it before?

[@mohammedsaif6450]

😂​@@KiraAotsuki

[@guanygoochyboojr.4313]

@@KiraAotsuki well she's a conniving gremlin 95% of the time

[@God_3712]

​@@guanygoochyboojr.4313that's why I love her

[@blackbankai0354]

Maomao: an apothecary to the common eye, but a princess beneath the night sky. Her dance kind of reminds me of Princess Kaguya.

[@moonshadow7838]

"Mujer bella bajo la Luna" (Beautiful woman under the Moon). It is a Type of Cacti whose appereance in awful, yet their flower is said to be the most beautiful on earth. It only blooms at night (apparently only once a Year on a day of the full Moon) and it withers at sunrise.

[@Will-jg2zs]

I literally cried lol This send-off was a perfect finale for S1. I was not expecting the dance to be THIS good.

[@Hikari96Heart]

She's so beautiful, just like her mother❤

[@Rosa-Lili]

When I watched this scene I thought about the first opening "Hana Ni Natte" and remembered that her dance and outfit was quite similar. Beautiful scene.

[@FFKonoko]

Yeah, first op was referencing this bit. As well as the whole "people as flowers" thing

[@NicoNicoNessieSub]

And there's a bit in the second op that references this too. The second op has a lot of nods to later episodes even on the first episode it shows up in

[@Lxmi18]

Her dance captivated me in the light of the moon. To me, the blue rose in her hair symbolizes mystery and exploration to new things. And I feel inspired to write a poem about it.

[@scottb235]

I'm glad that leg injury is relevant for multiple episodes. Lots of shows will have characters get hurt, then completely fine the next episode. Liked that the animators had MaoMao look tired with the LIfa (spelling) and Blue Roses episodes too. Guessing that she rests and is back to usual, but the slow progression and the toll it takes on her is a nice touch.

[@AnniceDamulira]

That was such a beautiful illuminating scene of maomao dancing she looks so beautiful ❤ i love maomao i cant stop watching it

[@Kratzz2Valid]

What a beautiful way to end the season, the entire scene of her dancing and the starlight in the background everything was simply perfect done ❤

[@moonleung6384]

1:47 did anyone else spot that cat constellation in the middle of the sky? It's the back view of a cat: ears, head, upper body, larger lower body, and tail

[@GregMadman]

I am only see a... You know... Another kind of tail.... 😅

[@friedrice1644]

Yup. I saw it.

[@SilverWings733]

Beautiful, sophisticated animation! I would love to see Jinshi's face as he saw her dance; however, that would distract from the emotional beauty of this scene. I believe it was healing for her, healing some of the wounds that her mother inflicted. In some way, she's releasing the past, so all eyes should be on her.

[@-carla68-9]

The performance, animation and music and step combination are truly magnificent. Congratulations to the team, but I missed Jinshi's astonishment and admiration for his beloved's dance that we were shown in

[@shoefrezy]

Fineeeee I'll rewatch that last episode again! The way they illuminated her with the moonlight sooo ethereal! This series is magic! Some of the best characters subtle humor and a powerhouse main girl!!❤❤❤

[@adamkasson7237]

The fact that this anime has 100 thousand plus reviews on crunchyroll and still has 5 stars speaks volumes. This show is incredible in every sense of the word.

[@isabelamelendezcarvajal4908]

Maomao is a great dancer 👏💃🌼. It's a shame, she doesn't see how amazing she is but she have someone always remember that 😌

[@buseira]

The animation, camera movement, Maomao's aesthetic, her dance, the music. This was incredible. I did not expect it for the end of this season. Definitely gonna add this song and this clip to my all time favorites. The only complaint/preference I would've done is change the red on her outfit to green and sprinkle in some blue to match her hair, the blue rose and her eyes.

[@genghiskhan6809]

I love how its technically a sendoff for both her onee-san (I can’t remember her name rn) and her mom.

[@lacytaylor1501]

Meimei!

[@thelegendaryklobb2879]

I think you misunderstood. Meimei told Maomao in the letter that when she eventually gets bought, she wants Maomao to dance for her like she's doing now for Fengxian.

[@Ash_Wen-li]

​@@thelegendaryklobb2879 A lot of people misunderstood that

[@justsomeguywithoutamustach3978]

No, just the mum. Meimei is still working at the brothel

[@Droidkaju310Productions]

Maomao is like a precious gem that is meant to be admired from a far and never touched

[@storm_1784]

What a breathtaking way to end one of the best anime this season😫

[@cherry1311]

When I watched the opening I had no idea how Maomao's dancing scene would fit into the story. And it only came together in the last episode. Everyone involved in this production: voice actors, writer, director and art direction are to be congratulated. You have created a masterpiece.

[@kpbennett7743]

Dancing farewell to her mother...

[@rashadavery7742]

As someone who just finished this series today, this scene damn near took my breath away, the fluid animation, the song that’s being played and the damn night sky full of stars it was truly so beautiful. Can’t wait for season 2

[@RM-iu9bw]

What a treat this show was, really enjoyed it. THIS is how you write a compelling female lead. A true breath of fresh air amongst the putrid sludge of creatively bankrupt female character writing, Hollywood could never.

[@kathleenmorales4822]

I was so surprised at the fact that Maomao can dance & I was in tears b|c of how beautiful it was

[@MrStiv13]

She truly loves her mother….even with all that happened! 😢

[@yamihiiragi2]

I love her dance scene in this last episode of this season and can't wait for the next season I'm really looking forward to it.😊

[@poohbear4515]

I love this anime from first to last episode, but this is my most favorite part of the whole show. Beautiful music, beautiful dance, and beautiful character.

[@drac8673]

This really defines how, despite her quirks, she's truly a beautiful person.

[@dcstillo]

I love how her dance was animated and the song that accompanies the dance elevate the scene so much. it is SO beautiful to watch every time.

[@EspieJaz]

The most beautiful scene in the anime in my opinion. Absolutely beautiful dancing and great camera work. Please watch the entire anime if you haven't already.

[@CHIPSSALTY]

FYI Chinese fortress walls have much higher railings than shown here. Hundreds of soldiers are expected to defend the wall safely without pushing each other off. 🤣. But beautiful scene.

[@swinginjoe8477]

Ah, so this is where the budget went when they’d make all this Maomao cat scenes

[@rickytleung]

Honestly this is the best anime of the year! So glad that there's a season 2 coming out in 2025. Here's hoping we'll get more seasons since there's like over 10 light novels in the series.

[@mr.timbre_vtjs]

Maomao dancing in celebration for her parents' reunion. 🥲

[@Emy-fv5ny]

A goodbye dance for her mother who doesn't remember her 😢

[@lacytaylor1501]

I find it slightly amusing how we can see behind her multiple times and Jinshi isn't there, so unless the view of her from behind when she finishes is Jinshi's point of view, he just materialized ontop of the wall once she finished dancing

[@Genthar]

So many layers, meanings, and feelings with this dance. The lyrics to the song make it even more bittersweet. Just a beautifully done scene.

[@edgarv.s2692]

What a beautiful scene from Maomao, she is my favorite along with Frieren, I hope for her second season, which will be in 2025. also what a nice song. This is cinema, gentlemen. 🚬😎🥂

[@spicywaffles3322]

Season 2 has already been confirmed!

[@edgarv.s2692]

​@@spicywaffles3322You have to wait, it's exciting, right? Have you seen the announcements of the new anime Japan 2024 animes? which one do you expect?

[@shadowzach00]

And a movie

[@tylergoodman3560]

This is Maomao's best moment and probably the best scene in the entire season. 🎉

[@Benjamin-ej3lj]

1:17 I can watch this for hours

[@Chocolatemilk444]

This scene took my breath away. It was so graceful and well animated.

[@kkramlogan]

This was beautiful! I can't wait for season 2 of our Maomao! The best anime this year!!! ❤❤❤❤❤

[@harlynrose6957]

I wish we could have seen Jinshi reaction when he first saw her. It was a very ortty dance

[@mugen3603]

In the night sky, twinkling memories Accumulating time envelops me Every time I experience pain while bewildered A bud swells in the depths of my heart If someday even the indelible scars Could be called love… These feelings, opening forthrightly Now bloom for someone’s sake That appearance is, above all, strong and beautiful Forever like that flower Things certain, things unchanged Illuminate me in the unending night Words spun with hesitation One, two, snatched away by the wind Let’s wish that someday even the decaying flowers Will reach… Without averting your gaze, reach out your hands widely Let’s go to meet the tomorrow waiting for the snow to melt Still a small, single petal Now, soar up into the sky That step will eventually bloom in someone’s heart Believing it will become a flower Feelings, bloom These feelings, opening forthrightly Now bloom for someone’s sake That appearance is, above all, strong and beautiful Forever like that flower - Lyrics translation by Thaerin

[@tetama2agani]

i love this scene it's so beautiful and magical Maomao is so pretty and graceful

[@Ayame55555]

Oh! How I loved Mao Mao's gorgeous dance for her Mother! Breathtakingly beautiful and poignant!❤

[@НинаСоколова-п5с]

No words, only emotions!!! ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@Stasia0309]

This scene and Lakan reuniting with Fengxian are my favorite scenes of the series so far.💖

[@Isa-hr7oi]

"Be a flower" makes so much sense when you look at her dress while twirling

[@valevm2770]

I really hope we may get the anime to cover the WHOLE story of the light novels❤️

[@jaredhamilton425]

Woohoo, that was beautiful. I can see why Dancing was such a major part of entertainment back then with dancing as graceful as that. What is it with Winter season animes ending on such beautiful notes like this?

[@secretsquirrel16]

Beautiful dance. Background story made it even more special. I noticed that she kept her freckles.

[@EugeoRedfield]

Maomao definitely wins Best Dance in an Anime in my opinion 😮😊

[@zoraackerman1684]

So the Frieren dance scene, then the 7th time loop fance, but this still takes the cake in the end.

[@IcyEspresso]

Still has to be, surprisingly, Star Rail's "Rondo Across Countless Kalpas" still takes it for me.

[@MarvyG23]

Beautiful ending to a great anime, can’t for what’s next to be animated

[@Curlyteacher537]

She went to the place where she could see her home so she could still keep the tradition and dance with her sisters :)

[@Meoaxx]

I'm sure this dance would look as beautiful as she is but the fast paced camera angle cuts completely take away all this scene could of been. I hope they do better in future

[@thebettafish3239]

DAMN you're right, I felt like something was a bit off about this scene but I couldn't tell what, I think that was it, the scene needed to be quiet, peaceful and beautiful but instead it felt... forced somehow... Still, it was alright, but yeah, I also hope they do it better in the future

[@Socal44]

Jinshi holding her tightly ❤

[@IZEASGT]

You can take the girl out of the pleasure district, but you can’t take the pleasure district out of the girl. Of course, if you asked Maomao, she’d probably say she has no talent for dance, and the only reason she was able to learn this one is because Meimei has the patience of a saint.

[@SHUFFLINGBEAST]

This was beautiful and nicely done with the animations ❤❤

[@sapphyrus]

So this was the dance from first OP, beautiful!

[@FJX716]

She really is gorgeous in a way that stands out amongst the other women.

[@laraaa548]

js finished this whole anime in a day i love it sm and maomao is gorgeous

[@mono5699]

I was so ready for this to be animated. It exceeded my expectations beautifully with a wonderul insert.

[@nyctophobiasm]

This scene mesmerized me

[@LnVagus]

Song is called "When wishes bloom" by Aoiema

[@cakster12]

It doesn't matter how long it takes to make new sessions of anime of this really breathtaking story, just do it!

[@dikardvondoom3574]

How did I miss this show for so long? Why have not seen anyone talking about it? Binged the show the last week. Absolutely loved it. So glad there’s a season 2 in the works.

[@ufuomagift6409]

She looks so beautiful with her hair down ❤

[@NeidalRuekk]

Just total WOW. When I saw this I was blown away. Wasn't sure what to expect, but it sure wasn't this. THIS is how you subvert expectations, disney!

[@nessi0508]

hoffe das die 2 staffe schnell kommt finde den Anime einfach hammer und sehr schön

[@WERMSANI]

Bester Anime 2023 und 2025 wird noch besser mit der 2. Staffel 😊

[@PiratePrincessYuki]

Such a beautiful ending. The anime and the dance was incredible.

[@talkingsaladsbooks257]

When she dances it’s like watching a flower bloom ❤❤❤

[@star14604]

So glad they didn’t use cgi

[@neuronbob]

Wow. Just, wow. Our genius can dance, too. Season 2 can’t come fast enough.

[@phantomrequim]

Beautiful. I can think of no other words to say.

[@myarobinson2940]

I gotta admit that this dance was so beautiful and shiny 😍 ✨️ 💖 💛 💕 ❤️

[@KarlBichler]

So beautiful

[@meganerd14]

THANK YOU FOR POSTING THE FULL DANCE!!!😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@xerofelix7090]

Breathtaking. I was waiting for this scene since s01e01! ❤️

[@HesmiyuMC]

A woman of many talents.

[@Katara-y2c]

Maomao looks beautiful 💖💕

[@StrawberrytheC4t]

Beautiful 😭😻

[@StrawberrytheC4t]

1st

[@Tonyten39]

Beautiful indeed 😭😍

[@authorfabu]

Ready for the next season Crunchy Roll! Hurry up please and thank you🥰

[@LoremasterFoxBuster]

Crunchyroll could have gone the extra mile and added the subtitles for the song.

[@ashdude55]

MaoMao: im surprised i still remember all of that- (Jinshi does the goku drip meme)