Nekokurage, one of The Apothecary Diaries manga artists, has been sentenced to 10 months of prison, suspended for three years, and fined 11 million yen (around $71,000) for tax evasion. The suspended prison sentence means that unless she commits a similar offense in the next three years, she will not actually go to prison. She is expected to be on her best behavior to actually be in the clear.
Nekokurage has been working on The Apothecary Diaries since 2017, when the series got a manga adaptation in Square Enix’s Monthly Big Gangan. However, the series is currently facing some controversy due to legal issues. The series’ future, especially the production of its eagerly awaited second season in 2025, is uncertain due to these events.
Court Ruling and Verdict
The Fukuoka Regional Taxation Bureau’s revelation that Nekokurage failed to declare a substantial amount of income has resulted in legal consequences for the artist.
During the May hearing, the prosecution claimed that Nekokurage, who started working as a mangaka in 2010, was aware of the need to file tax returns but prioritized deadlines. It was also noted that she routinely missed the deadline for filing tax returns and did so for multiple years at once. Nekokurage’s editor’s statement was also read; the editor cautioned her not to file taxes because “if trouble happens, the series could be cancelled.”
According to Livedoor, Ikeda earned almost 260 million yen from her position as illustrator for The Apothecary Diaries and royalties from other publishers over three years (2019-2021). However, they hid their real income and promptly failed to file tax forms. On her Twitter account, Nekokurage stated that she has since paid the full amount, including late fees, and is working with an accountant to ensure she pays all future taxes correctly.
Future of The Apothecary Diaries
The Apothecary Diaries is a historical drama manga written by Natsu Hyuuga and illustrated by Neko Kurage. Itsuki Nanao is in charge of the story development for the adaptation. Debuting in 2017, it got a massive boost in popularity when it got an anime series in 2023. The anime show also contributed to the rising sales of the manga.
With a three-year suspended prison sentence, the future of The Apothecary Diaries is now in a state of uncertainty but it is not completely doomed. Fans can take comfort in the fact that Square Enix has confirmed that it will not be ending The Apothecary Diaries, telling Japan’s ITmedia, “We have no particular plans to cancel.” The series may need to find a new artist for the manga, a prospect that could bring significant changes to the series.
About The Apothecary Diaries
‘The Apothecary Diaries’ is a light novel series written by Natsu Hyuga and illustrated by Touko Shino. The series will be receiving an anime adaptation in 2023.
The story follows a young girl, Maomao, who is the daughter of an apothecary and possesses an extensive knowledge of medicine and herbs. When she is kidnapped and sold to the rear palace, she is forced to navigate life in this new, foreign environment.
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