Despite being one of The Apothecary Diaries manga artists, Nekokurage has been given a suspended prison sentence of 10 months and fined 11 million yen (equivalent to approximately $71,000) due to tax evasion. As long as she avoids any further legal transgressions within the next three years, she will not have to serve her sentence. It is crucial that she maintains exemplary conduct in order to avoid facing imprisonment.
“The Apothecary Diaries”manga artist Nekokurage has been sentenced to 10 months in prison, suspension for 3 years and a 11 million yen fine for evading tax. pic.twitter.com/bzuaXn68Nd
— Anime News And Facts (@AniNewsAndFacts) July 24, 2024
Despite starting in 2017 with a manga adaptation in Square Enix’s Monthly Big Gangan, Nekokurage’s work on The Apothecary Diaries has been plagued by legal issues. This has cast doubt on the future of the series, including the production of its highly anticipated second season in 2025.
Court Ruling and Verdict
The artist, Nekokurage, has faced minor legal repercussions due to the Fukuoka Regional Taxation Bureau’s discovery that they did not report a significant portion of their income.
During the hearing in May, the prosecution stated that Nekokurage, who began her career as a mangaka in 2010, was aware of the requirement to file tax returns but often prioritized meeting deadlines. It was also pointed out that she regularly failed to file tax returns on time, sometimes for multiple years in a row.
According to Livedoor, Ikeda earned approximately 260 million yen over the span of three years (2019-2021) from her role as an illustrator for The Apothecary Diaries and from receiving royalties from other publishers. However, she neglected to report her true earnings and failed to file tax forms in a timely manner. Nekokurage confirmed on her Twitter account that she has since paid the full amount, including late fees, and is now working with an accountant to ensure proper payment of taxes in the future.
The Future of The Apothecary Diaries
Itsuki Nanao is responsible for the development of the story for the adaptation. After debuting in 2017, the series experienced a significant increase in popularity following the release of its anime adaptation in 2023. The success of the anime also played a crucial role in the manga’s rising sales.
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Despite receiving a three-year suspended prison sentence, the fate of The Apothecary Diaries remains uncertain but not entirely hopeless. Fans can find solace in the assurance from Square Enix that the series will not be abruptly ending. According to a statement given to Japan’s ITmedia, Square Enix has no intentions of cancelling the series. However, it may be necessary for the manga to find a new artist, which could potentially bring about significant changes to the story but is still a preferable alternative.
The Story Behind The Apothecary Diaries
The anime adaptation of the series is scheduled to premiere in 2023.
The narrative centers around Maomao, a young girl who is the daughter of an apothecary and possesses a vast understanding of medicine and herbs. After being abducted and sold to the rear palace, she must learn to adapt to her unfamiliar surroundings and way of life.
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