The Apothecary Diaries artist, Erika Ikeda, is making a comeback to the manga scene after facing legal issues related to tax evasion earlier this year.
On September 9, 2024, Ikeda, who is popularly known as ‘nekokurage’, shared a handwritten message on X (formerly Twitter), confirming their return as the artist of The Apothecary Diaries manga.
This announcement follows a ruling from the Fukuoka District Court, where Ikeda was found guilty of evading nearly 47 million yen in taxes, resulting in a 10-month prison sentence, with three months suspended and a fine of 11 million yen.
In their message, Ikeda wrote: “I deeply apologize for the trouble caused by issues related to my taxes. I sincerely reflect on the recent court ruling, and with the support of a trusted tax advisor, I vow to never let this happen again.”
— Neko Kurage✽Pharmacy⑬ Release (@nekokurage_) September 9, 2024
Ikeda expressed gratitude to the readers who continue to support their work despite the circumstances and to those who enabled the continuation of their artistic journey. They stated, “I hope to make amends by continuing to create manga, cherishing my work more than ever, and I hope there are still people who will enjoy it.”
While Ikeda’s note confirms their commitment to The Apothecary Diaries, a specific timeline for the next chapter remains uncertain. The last chapter, Chapter 75, was released on July 25, 2024, and the following release date has yet to be announced. However, with Ikeda’s return, fans can anticipate forthcoming updates soon.
The Apothecary Diaries is a historical drama that chronicles the adventures of Maomao, a maidservant intrigued by medicine and poisons. Created by Natsu Hyuuga and illustrated by Erika Ikeda, the manga inspired an acclaimed anime adaptation that premiered in 2023.
Additionally, the second season of the anime series has already been confirmed for a 2025 release.
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