The ending theme “Hitorigoto” by Omoinotake, used in the second part of Season 2 of The Apothecary Diaries, powerfully complements the emotional vibe of the series. The title roughly translates to “monologue,” reflecting the internal thoughts that characters often leave unspoken. This review will explore how the song’s lyrics and tone mirror the emotional development of key characters, especially Maomao, and reinforce the series’ themes of connection, self-discovery, and emotional expression.
The Song as a Companion to the Story
“Hitorigoto” aligns with the latter half of Season 2, particularly emphasizing Maomao’s emotional connections with Xiaolan and Shisui. As Maomao begins to build bonds beyond her work responsibilities, the song reflects these quiet transformations. This is shown in scenes like making ice cream together or planning an insect-collecting trip with Shisui.
The lyrics, while paraphrased here to reflect meaning rather than literal translation, capture these internal shifts:
“After meeting you, I began to become more myself; still standing here, trying to express these feelings to you.”
This shows Maomao’s subtle emotional growth. For much of the series, she is emotionally guarded. However, as she spends more time with others, particularly Shisui, her behavior softens. She smiles more, connects with others, and begins to express care in ways she hadn’t before.
Maomao’s Moral Compass and Emotional Responsibility
In Season 2 Episode 15, Maomao steps in to help Xiaolan with a task that, had it failed, would have led to severe punishment. Despite not being obligated to, Maomao intervenes, stating she “won’t be able to sleep at night” if she does nothing. This moment showed the growing emotional responsibility she feels toward others, a shift that parallels the themes in “Hitorigoto.”
Parallel Growth in Others Through Maomao’s Influence
The song also resonates in the ways Maomao inspires change in others. Concubine Lihua, once devastated by the loss of her child, finds new strength after Maomao encourages her to live. By Season 2 Episode 6, she stands up for herself with confidence, an act that seemed unthinkable without Maomao’s earlier support.
Shisui, who infiltrated the palace under the alias Loulan, also evolved through her relationship with Maomao. Raised in a rigid environment where even her mother only acknowledged her in makeup, Shisui began to experience normalcy and emotional freedom while spending time with Maomao and Xiaolan. She laughs, shares her fascination with insects, and expresses herself more openly.
The Bittersweet Farewell: Tamamo’s Rebirth
One of the most emotionally resonant moments is the farewell between Maomao and Shisui. As Shisui prepares to leave, Maomao hands her Jinshi’s hairpin, silently acknowledging her identity and encouraging her to live on. Maomao chooses to call her “Shisui,” not “Loulan,” affirming the person she truly is.
The post-chorus lyrics capture this moment well:
“I won’t say goodbye because I’ll wait, no matter how painful, so I can look you in the eyes and say ‘Welcome back.’”
Later, as Shisui assumes the new identity “Tamamo” and sells the damaged hairpin, the visual symbolism of rebirth is clear. She chooses to continue living, not out of obligation, but because of the emotional anchor Maomao gave her.
The Message of “Hitorigoto”: Speak Before It’s Too Late
The final chorus of “Hitorigoto,” paraphrased here, reveals the song’s central message:
“I just want to hear your simple reply and see your gentle smile, because without you, my words are only a monologue.”
This highlights a recurring theme in the series: the consequences of unspoken emotions. Whether it’s Lakan missing Maomao’s childhood because of his absence, or Jinshi failing to confess his identity and feelings before she leaves, silence often leads to missed connections.
By the final episode, Maomao prepares to read the letters written by Xiaolan and Shisui. She has been rescued, but now must live without the friends who helped her grow. Yet the letters, and the memories they hold, reflect a hope that their bonds will endure.
Conclusion
“Hitorigoto” is not just an ending theme. It is an emotional mirror to The Apothecary Diaries, capturing Maomao’s quiet transformation and the deeper truth that unspoken words often carry the most weight. Omoinotake’s performance resonates with us because it gives voice to the inner thoughts we too often suppress.
The song was rightfully voted Best Ending Theme of the Spring 2025 anime season. It is a strong reminder not to leave things unsaid. Speak, connect, and share before it’s too late.
Written by: Luke So
Images via Crunchyroll
©Hyuganatsu/Imagica Infos/“The Apothecary Diaries” Project
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