When tax evasion cases regarding manga arise in Japan, mangakas face significant penalties that could result in the shutdown of their manga and the cancellation of related anime.
Recently, a high-profile case has involved Erika Ikeda, the mangaka of Apothecary Diaries. Fans are concerned about the manga’s future and whether the anime’s second season will happen.
The Apothecary Diaries manga illustrator Erika Ikeda, known by her pen name Nekokurage, was accused of evading approximately 47 million yen in taxes by not reporting her income over several years.
She was admitted to charges of income tax evasion during her first trial at the Fukuoka District Court on May 31, 2024.
The proceedings were overseen by Presiding Judge Yuko Takeda. Defendant Ikeda acknowledged the charges against her and stated that,
“I was planning to file a consolidated tax return for several years”
In their opening statement, the prosecution pointed out that Ikeda started working as a manga artist in 2010 and was aware of the need to file a tax return. However, she prioritized the manga’s deadline and did not do so.
The prosecution highlighted that Ikeda had a history of filing her tax returns late, submitting several years’ worth at once.
According to the indictment and other documents, defendant Ikeda earned a total income of approximately 260 million yen as a manga artist from 2019 to 2021.
However, she allegedly evaded around 47 million yen in income taxes by missing the filing deadline. She then paid the entire amount, including late taxes.
It was also stated that the editor in charge told her, “If you cause a problem, the series will be discontinued. You should file your tax return,” the original author also advised her, “You should consult a tax accountant.”
That said, the fate of the Apothecary Diaries is unknown, and the judge might as well jeopardize the series if things worsen.
Source: livedoor NEWS
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