Manga artist Nekokurage, whose real name is Erika Ikeda, recently faced sentencing in Fukuoka District Court for tax evasion. Known for her work on one of the manga adaptations of The Apothecary Diaries, Nekokurage received a suspended 10-month prison sentence and a JP¥11 million fine (around US$70,600). She will not have to serve time in prison if she maintains good behaviour for the next three years. Initially, prosecutors had sought a more severe sentence of 10 months in prison and a JP¥14 million fine (approximately US$89,800).

The Fukuoka Regional Taxation Bureau brought the charges, which indicted Nekokurage on 29 February. She was accused of failing to report approximately JP¥260 million (approximately US$1.6 million) in income and evading around JP¥47 million (approximately US$298,887) in taxes between 2019 and 2021. The unreported income included revenue from manga sales, which was allegedly used to purchase real estate.

During the initial court hearing on 31 May, Nekokurage pleaded guilty, claiming she had “no intention of evading the tax payments” and planned to “pay it all at once later.” On 1 April, Nekokurage addressed the allegations on X, stating that ignorance led to her neglecting tax returns.

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She added that she paid the taxes and fees in full in 2022 after receiving guidance from the tax office and has since enlisted a tax accountant to ensure proper filings. Nekokurage stressed that the case is a personal matter and does not involve the original author of The Apothecary Diaries light novel series or anyone else involved in creating the manga.

Nekokurage launched her manga adaptation in Square Enix’s Monthly Big Gangan magazine in May 2017, with the 13th compiled volume released on 25 March. The series is also available in English through Square Enix Manga.

The original story, The Apothecary Diaries, was penned by Natsu Hyuga and debuted on the “Shosetsuka ni Naro” (Let’s Become Novelists) website in October 2011. Since August 2014, Shufunotomo has published novels in print, featuring illustrations by Touko Shino. J-Novel Club offers the series digitally.

The light novels inspired an anime adaptation that premiered in October 2023, running for two cours (each a quarter of a year). Crunchyroll streamed the anime alongside its Japanese release and is providing an English dub. Fans can look forward to a second season set to debut in 2025.