The Apothecary Diaries mangaka sentenced to prison for tax evasion

On July 24, 2024, the Fukuoka District Court announced that Nekokurage, the Apothecary Diaries mangaka, would be handed a fine of 11 million yen, accompanied by a jail sentence of 10 months for tax evasion. Every work of the mangaka will be suspended during this time.

Nekokurage is the illustrator for the manga adaptation of Natsu Hyuga's light novel series of the same name. The light novel series received an anime adaptation in October 2023, animated by Studio OLM and TOHO animation Studio. The anime adaptation was renewed for a sequel after airing the prequel's last episode.

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The Apothecary Diaries mangaka penalized for tax evasion

Maomao as seen in the anime (Image via OLM & Toho Animation Studio)

On February 29, 2024, Nekokurage (real name: Erika Ireda) was caught on suspicion of evading tax of about 47 million yen between 2019 and 2021. The national tax agency revealed that the tax money, which the mangaka evaded, was used to buy real estate, and a part of this tax money was from the Apothecary Diaries author's work as a mangaka.

On May 31, 2024, the Apothecary Diaries author pleaded guilty to tax evasion after some investigations. Nekokurage revealed they did not intend to do such a criminal act and were "planning to pay it all at once later."

On April 1, 2024, the Apothecary Diaries author tweeted that this act resulted from their ignorance. The manga author also revealed that they are getting assistance from a tax accountant on this matter so they can pay the taxes.

Moreover, the author clarified that the original author of Apothecary Diaries, Natsu Hyuga, or any other person related to the manga series was unrelated to their tax evasion crime.

The Apothecary Diaries is a light novel series illustrated by Touko Shino and written by Natsu Hyuga. The light novel series received a manga adaptation by Nekokurage on May 25, 2017, and another manga adaptation by Minoji Kurata on August 19, 2017.

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What is The Apothecary Diaries about?

Maomao as seen in the anime (Image via OLM & Toho Animation Studio)

The series is a drama mystery set in ancient China. The series is centered around Maomao, a girl from the boonies who is kidnapped and taken to the Royal Palace, where she is forced to work as a maid for the concubines of the Emperor.

As Maomao spends more time in the Palace, she realizes that proper medicine is not used because of the palace's quack doctor. Things take a huge turn when the son of one of the consorts of the Emperor dies minutes after being born. Maomao investigates and learns that it was due to the toxic make-up the palace was using.

She continues her investigation, and Jinshi, the man in charge of the inner court of the palace, becomes interested in her actions. Could Maomao change everything, or would she get caught and exiled from the palace?

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