'The Apothecary Diaries' Maomao tops Anime Grand Prix as 2025’s best character

Maomao from The Apothecary Diaries has been named Best Anime Character of 2025 at the 47th Anime Grand Prix Awards, surpassing Solo Leveling’s Jinwoo, who had dominated the Crunchyroll Awards earlier this year.

Solo Leveling has achieved widespread international popularity, with its fast-paced storytelling and high-intensity battles contributing to its success.

It was awarded Anime of the Year at the Crunchyroll Awards, and its protagonist, Jinwoo, received Best Main Character at the same ceremony. However, in Japan, Solo Leveling’s reach is more modest, and this was reflected in the Grand Prix results.

The Anime Grand Prix Awards, organised by the magazine Animage, are decided by the votes of its readers and are highly regarded within the Japanese anime community.

This year, Maomao, the lead character of The Apothecary Diaries, secured the top position. Her role across the first two seasons of the series has been praised for her distinctive characterisation and development, setting her apart in a competitive field.

The Apothecary Diaries has steadily gained recognition beyond Japan, with many viewers now anticipating its third season. 

As The Apothecary Diaries moves towards its next season, Maomao’s win may further boost the series’ profile internationally, while Solo Leveling continues to maintain its strong global fanbase.