The Apothecary Diaries Star Explains Why Maomao Is the Anime’s Most Important Character

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The story centers on Maomao, and how she reacts to being the center of attention. Voice actress Emi Lo hints that Maomao has hidden depths and complexities that she doesn’t readily share.

She struggles with low self-esteem and lacks confidence, which prevents her from recognizing her own potential. Despite having a significant role, she sees herself as unimportant and doesn’t realize how intelligent she is – much like the character Lucy from Cyberpunk: Edgerunners.

Lo explored how the characters perceive Maomao individually. They noted that Maomao is an unreliable storyteller who underestimates her own importance. This leads to a pattern where she only acts when she feels compelled to, or subtly hints at her involvement. Her consistent downplaying of her own significance is a key part of what makes her character so interesting, and it enhances the already captivating story of The Apothecary Diaries.

You know, that’s just so Maomao, and it’s one of the things I adore about her. It’s not like she pushes her ideas on anyone. She doesn’t come across as saying, ‘This is how it has to be!’ Instead, she’s more like, ‘Here’s what I’m thinking, but feel free to completely ignore me!’ It’s just her humble way of doing things.

Maomao Challenges How Women Are Portrayed In Romance Anime

Maomao stands out as an anime heroine because she’s self-reliant and calm, challenging traditional portrayals of women in media. According to Lo, her difficulty with romance stems from witnessing the transactional nature of love and the fate of her parents. She’s afraid of repeating those experiences, which is why she’s so reserved and cautious when it comes to relationships.

Furthermore, The Apothecary Diaries challenges Maomao to explore her own femininity within the context of Imperial China, adding depth to how we understand beauty, what it means to be a woman, and personal freedom. While Maomao is hesitant to pursue romance and the potential benefits it could bring, her journey is ultimately quite charming.

The Apothecary Diaries is now streaming on Crunchryoll, Disney+, and Hulu.

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2026-05-20 01:13