Cheat Kusushi no Slow Life: Isekai ni Tsukurou Drugstore

Drug Store in Another World - The Slow Life of a Cheat Pharmacist

Characters

Mina

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Reiji Kirio

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Noela

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Zeral

SUPPORTING

Moz

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Rena no Chichi

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Feris

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Belial

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Ririka

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Garo Ejil

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Rena

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Paula

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Micott

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Elaine Fen Dran Valgas

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Kururu

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Vivi

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Annabelle

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Pierre

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Gaston

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Flam Fen Dran Valgas

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Alf

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Doz

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Rayne

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Casty Fen Dran Valgas

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Bukatachi

BACKGROUND

Drugstore in Another World: The Slow Life of a Cheat Pharmacist – Season 1 Review

Drugstore in Another World: The Slow Life of a Cheat Pharmacist (known in Japanese as Cheat Kusushi no Slow Life: Isekai ni Tsukurou Drugstore) is a delightful and laid-back anime that aired from July to September 2021, offering a refreshing take on the isekai genre. Adapted from the light novel series by Kennoji and animated by EMT Squared, this 12-episode first season follows Reiji Kirio, a former corporate drone, as he navigates his new life in a fantasy world, running a quaint drugstore with his unique pharmaceutical skills. With its focus on a “slow life” philosophy, the anime stands out for its wholesome, low-stakes storytelling, charming characters, and a cozy slice-of-life vibe. This article explores the key elements of Season 1, including its plot, characters, themes, and overall appeal, while avoiding spoilers as much as possible.

Plot Overview

The story begins with Reiji Kirio, a 24-year-old office worker exhausted by his monotonous corporate life, suddenly finding himself transported to a lush forest in a medieval fantasy world. Realizing he’s been thrust into an isekai scenario, Reiji discovers he possesses two seemingly underwhelming skills: “Appraise” and “Drug Discovery.” However, these abilities prove to be surprisingly powerful, allowing him to analyze items and creatures with precision and create highly effective potions tailored to specific needs. Embracing his new circumstances, Reiji decides to settle in the small town of Kalta and opens Kirio Drugstore, aiming for a relaxed, fulfilling life.

Unlike many isekai series that focus on epic battles or world-saving quests, Drugstore in Another World centers on Reiji’s day-to-day life as he crafts potions to solve the quirky problems of the town’s residents. From helping an elf with eyestrain to calming a dragon’s fiery cough, each episode presents a new challenge that Reiji tackles with his pharmaceutical expertise. The narrative unfolds through short, episodic vignettes, emphasizing community, creativity, and the joy of helping others. The anime’s lighthearted tone and lack of a central antagonist make it a perfect comfort watch for those seeking a break from high-stakes drama.

Characters

The charm of Drugstore in Another World lies in its colorful cast of characters, each bringing their own quirks to Reiji’s drugstore. The main characters include:

• Reiji Kirio (voiced by Jun Fukushima): The protagonist, a practical and easygoing pharmacist who embraces his new life with enthusiasm. While his skills are “cheat-level” in their effectiveness, Reiji remains humble, focusing on improving the lives of those around him rather than seeking fame or power. His deadpan humor and resourcefulness make him a likable lead.
• Noela (voiced by Risae Matsuda): A childlike werewolf girl who becomes Reiji’s loyal companion after he heals her injuries with a potion. Noela’s adorable demeanor, complete with her signature “woof” catchphrase, and her love for Reiji’s creations add a playful energy to the series. Her human-wolf transformation and unwavering devotion to Reiji make her a fan favorite.
• Mina Fleuret (voiced by Akane Kumada): A gentle ghost who haunts the house that becomes Kirio Drugstore. Having died young from illness a century ago, Mina is tied to the house until Reiji crafts a brooch that allows her to venture outside. Her kind personality and domestic skills, like cooking and cleaning, complement Reiji’s business, creating a warm, homey atmosphere.

Supporting characters add depth to the small town of Kalta. Notable figures include:

• Elaine, the haughty daughter of the town’s lord, nicknamed “Makimaki” (Twirls) by Noela for her distinctive hairstyle.
• Ejiru, a bratty Demon Lord who takes a part-time job at the drugstore to learn Reiji’s craft after being smitten with Noela.
• Kururu, a flamboyant elf archer with an unrequited crush on Reiji.
• Paula, the town’s overworked blacksmith who relies on Reiji’s energy potions to keep up with her demanding workload.

Each character brings unique problems to the drugstore, allowing Reiji to showcase his ingenuity while building a sense of community. The interactions are light and humorous, with no character feeling extraneous or overly cliched.

Themes and Style

At its core, Drugstore in Another World celebrates the beauty of a simple life. The anime explores themes of self-discovery, community, and finding purpose in small acts of kindness. Reiji’s transition from a stressed-out corporate worker to a contented pharmacist highlights the value of work-life balance and pursuing what brings joy. The series also subtly critiques the grind of modern life, as Reiji’s relief at escaping his old job resonates with viewers who dream of a slower pace.

The show’s slice-of-life approach is its greatest strength, focusing on everyday problems rather than world-ending threats. Each episode introduces a new “client” with a specific issue—whether it’s a noble’s yandere girlfriend needing calming tea or a spirit requiring cooling gel to avoid melting. These scenarios are resolved with Reiji’s potions, which are creatively tailored to the fantasy setting, blending modern pharmaceutical concepts with magical flair. For example, his Landenflower Tea, based on real-world linden flowers, soothes anxiety, while his energy potions keep the town’s workers going.

Visually, the anime is bright and inviting, with a soft color palette that complements its relaxed tone. EMT Squared’s animation is simple but effective, with expressive character designs by Matsuuni (from the light novel) and Eri Haruno (from the manga). The fantasy world feels alive, with lush forests, cozy shops, and a lived-in village aesthetic. The soundtrack, while understated, enhances the calming atmosphere with gentle, melodic tunes.

Reception and Impact

Season 1 of Drugstore in Another World was well-received for its wholesome and low-key approach, earning a 5.7/10 on IMDb and a median rating of “Decent” on MyAnimeList (based on 213 user ratings). Fans praised its relaxing vibe, calling it a “perfect anime to unwind with after a long day” and appreciating its cute characters and lack of intense conflict. Critics noted its episodic nature and lack of a central plot might not appeal to viewers seeking action or deep narrative arcs, with some describing it as “cliche” or “vague” in its depiction of drugstore operations. However, for those who enjoy slice-of-life or isekai with a twist, the series delivers exactly what it promises: a charming, slow-paced adventure.

The anime also gained attention through posts on X, with Crunchyroll sharing clips and stills that highlighted its cozy aesthetic, such as Noela’s “woof” moments and Mina’s domestic charm. These posts, shared between August and September 2021, helped build a small but dedicated fanbase.

Comparisons and Context

Drugstore in Another World shares similarities with other “slow life” isekai like By the Grace of the Gods or Campfire Cooking in Another World, where the focus is on mundane skills applied in a fantasy setting. However, it distinguishes itself by leaning heavily into the pharmacist angle, with Reiji’s potions driving the narrative. Unlike Parallel World Pharmacy, another isekai about a pharmacist, Drugstore prioritizes comedy and community over medical revolution, making it less serious but more accessible for casual viewers.

The anime is based on Kennoji’s light novel series, serialized online from 2016 to 2020 on Shōsetsuka ni Narō, and later published by Hifumi Shobō. The manga adaptation by Eri Haruno, serialized since 2018, provided the visual foundation for the anime. Both are licensed in North America by Seven Seas Entertainment, ensuring accessibility for Western audiences.

Conclusion

Drugstore in Another World: The Slow Life of a Cheat Pharmacist Season 1 is a heartwarming gem for fans of slice-of-life and isekai anime. Its focus on Reiji’s tranquil life as a pharmacist, paired with the endearing antics of Noela, Mina, and the quirky townsfolk, creates a soothing escape from the intensity of typical anime narratives. While it may lack the depth or action some viewers crave, its charm lies in its simplicity and sincerity. Whether you’re drawn to the idea of crafting potions to help a dragon or just want a feel-good series to relax with, this anime delivers a dose of wholesome fun.

For those interested in watching, Season 1 is available on streaming platforms like Crunchyroll and the Crunchyroll Amazon Channel. If you’ve enjoyed the slow-paced adventures of Reiji’s drugstore, the light novel and manga offer more stories to explore. Here’s hoping for a Season 2 to continue this delightful journey in Kalta