Free Apothecary Diaries from Japanese Pharmacies: How Scalpers Are Cashing In!
Discover why anime staff urge fans to avoid reselling limited-edition collaborative notebooks, protecting creativity and fair access.
Anime Staff Urges Fans: Don't Resell Collaborative Notebooks
In Japan, pharmacies provide patients with pocket-sized booklets to help them keep track of their medical prescriptions. To promote this practice, The Apothecary Diaries launched branded prescription record booklets on March 1. However, the initiative has faced an unexpected challenge: scalpers are reselling these free booklets at inflated prices.
©日向夏・イマジカインフォス／「薬屋のひとりごと」製作委員会
The Resale Issue
On March 5, the staff of The Apothecary Diaries issued a statement addressing the resale of these booklets. Reports indicate that some scalpers are selling them for as much as 6,000 yen (approximately $41). The anime's team is urging fans to refrain from purchasing or reselling these booklets, emphasizing that the collaboration aims to promote the importance of maintaining personal medical records.
Statement from The Apothecary Diaries:
Thank you for your continued support of The Apothecary Diaries.
We have confirmed many cases of the collaborative prescription record booklets being resold.
The purpose of this initiative is to promote the importance of prescription record booklets, and we are distributing them to people who use pharmacies.
Please refrain from reselling or purchasing these booklets.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
©日向夏・イマジカインフォス／「薬屋のひとりごと」製作委員会
Background on the Initiative
The collaboration between The Apothecary Diaries and the Japan Pharmaceutical Association (JPA) was announced on February 21. Pharmacies that are members of the JPA began distributing the record booklets on March 1. These booklets are not for sale, and fans are advised not to inquire about them at pharmacies or hospitals.
According to the Saitama Pharmaceutical Association, these prescription record booklets are designed to help patients, doctors, and pharmacies track:
- Medications taken
- Medical institutions visited
- Names and dosages of medications
- Treatment results
These booklets serve as essential personal health records in Japan.
Conclusion
The staff of The Apothecary Diaries is committed to ensuring that the initiative remains beneficial for all. Fans are encouraged to support the cause by not engaging in the resale of these important health resources.
Sources: The Apothecary Diaries (link 2), Saitama Pharmaceutical Association's website, Twitter via Hachima Kikō, FNN