# Japanese anime industry updates > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/japanese-anime-industry-updates > Updated: 2026-09-29T23:31:01.000Z. Sources: 17. Developments: 5. Updates regarding major anime franchises continue, specifically concerning ‘The Apothecary Diaries’ and ‘Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War’. For ‘The Apothecary Diaries’, the third season is scheduled to begin broadcasting in two parts, with the first part debuting on October 2, 2026, and the second part following in April 2027. Directed by Akinori Fudesaka, the season will adapt volumes 5 and 6 of the original light novel by Hyūganatsu, covering arcs such as the Family Secrets Arc and the Locust Plague Arc. The new season will feature Maomao and Jinshi facing challenges including rumors of a “mysterious celestial maiden” and “omens of national disaster”. The story is expected to expand beyond the Inner Palace and address the aftermath of the Shi clan rebellion. The original light novel series has reached over 57 million copies in circulation worldwide. Musical announcements for the third season include Yorushika performing the opening theme, ‘Kumo o Nukete Kaze Shita Watashi dake’, and Eve performing the ending theme, ‘AIYOU’. Additionally, Reina Ueda has been cast as the character Byakuryou. A preview screening for the new season was held on September 27 at TOHO Cinemas Roppongi in Tokyo. Regarding ‘Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War’, Studio Pierrot has implemented a hiatus to ensure high animation quality for the series finale. Consequently, the schedule has been adjusted, with episode 49 set for release on October 19, 2026, and the series finale scheduled for October 27, 2026. Furthermore, Universal Studios Japan has announced a special collaboration event titled ‘Universal Cool Japan 2027’. Running from February 10 to June 30, 2027, the event will feature programs linked to the upcoming theatrical film, ‘The Apothecary Diaries: The Secret of the Consort’ (also referred to as ‘The Treasure of the Deceased Consort’). ## Claims - The setting of the third season shifts from the inner palace to the pleasure district. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Maomao and Jinshi's relationship will evolve as they are forced to cooperate to solve increasingly difficult mysteries. (corroborated by 3 sources) - A physical distance between Maomao and Jinshi is created because Maomao has returned to the pleasure district. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The dynamic between Maomao and Zhao Yu will increasingly resemble that of an older sister and younger brother. (corroborated by 3 sources) - A preview screening for the third season of ‘The Apothecary Diaries’ took place on September 27, 2026, at TOHO Cinemas Roppongi. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The preview event included the screening of episodes 1 and 2 of the third season. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The third season of the TV anime ‘The Apothecary Diaries’ is scheduled to begin broadcasting on October 2, 2026. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Yorushika will perform the opening theme for the third season of ‘The Apothecary Diaries’. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Reina Ueda has been cast as the character Byakuryou. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Universal Studios Japan will host a collaboration event for ‘The Apothecary Diaries’ from February 10, 2027, to June 30, 2027. (single source) - The USJ collaboration will be linked to the upcoming theatrical film ‘The Apothecary Diaries: The Secret of the Consort’. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-29: The Apothecary Diaries Season 3 to premiere October 2 The third season of the anime ‘The Apothecary Diaries’ premieres October 2, 2026, on Crunchyroll, following the Shi clan rebellion and introducing new mysteries for Maomao and Jinshi. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/the-apothecary-diaries-anime-season-3-announced-with-usj-collaboration ### 2026-09-27: The Apothecary Diaries season 3 set to premiere in October The third season of the anime “The Apothecary Diaries” premieres October 2, following a special advance screening event in Tokyo featuring the main voice cast. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/the-apothecary-diaries-cast-holds-preview-screening-for-third-season ### 2026-09-25: The Apothecary Diaries Season 3 announced for 2026 The third season of ‘The Apothecary Diaries’ anime will premiere in two parts starting October 2, 2026, featuring a shift in story atmosphere and new character developments for Maomao and Jinshi. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/the-apothecary-diaries-season-3-announced-for-2026 ### 2026-09-17: Anime industry updates: Bleach finale schedule and The Apothecary Diaries season 3 details Major anime updates include a release schedule adjustment for the Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War finale and the announcement of a two-part third season for The Apothecary Diaries. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/anime-industry-updates-bleach-finale-schedule-and-the-apothecary-diaries-season-3-details ### 2026-09-16: Japanese anime updates: Chiikawa merchandise and The Apothecary Diaries season 3 news New updates for popular anime series include the release of a Chiikawa-themed Chara Pafe magazine and the announcement of character posters and broadcast schedules for the third season of The Apothecary Diaries 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/japanese-anime-updates-chiikawa-merchandise-and-the-apothecary-diaries-season-3-news --- Cite as: Japanese anime industry updates. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/japanese-anime-industry-updates