Amazon MGM Doubles Japan Content Spend, Sets Apothecary Diaries Series
Japan head Buddy Marini announced the investment increase and a live-action adaptation of The Apothecary Diaries for Prime Video in 2028.
Amazon MGM Studios has doubled its investment in original Japanese content, its head of Japan, Buddy Marini, said at a TIFFCOM panel on October 28, 2026. Marini, speaking on the opening-day panel titled “Unlocking the Global Potential of Japanese IP,” said the studio’s Japanese slate also includes an expanded lineup of live-action films and series, according to Deadline.
The centerpiece of that slate is a live-action adaptation of The Apothecary Diaries, starring Mana Ashida as Maomao. Amazon MGM Studios is co-producing the series with Toho, and it will stream worldwide exclusively on Prime Video in 2028.
Marini named the studio’s partners as Korea’s Studio Dragon and Japan’s Credeus, Toho, TV Tokyo and WOWOW. Two of those collaborations have already reached the service: Criminal (Hanzaisha), directed by Daishi Matsunaga and produced with TV Tokyo, was released on Prime Video in March 2026, while the live-action manga adaptation Chloe And Emma, produced with WOWOW, has been streaming since June 2026.
Marini, a former head of Warner Bros Japan, has led Amazon MGM Studios’ Japan operation since March 2026.
Quick answers
When will the live-action The Apothecary Diaries series be released?
Amazon MGM Studios and Toho are co-producing the series, which will stream worldwide exclusively on Prime Video in 2028.
Who plays Maomao in the live-action The Apothecary Diaries?
Mana Ashida has been cast as Maomao.
Who are Amazon MGM Studios’ production partners in Japan?
Marini said the partners include Korea’s Studio Dragon and Japan’s Credeus, Toho, TV Tokyo and WOWOW.