Manga creator Nekokurage, whose real name is Erika Ikeda, has issued an apology after being convicted of tax evasion and given a suspended prison sentence.
On July 24, the Fukuoka District Court sentenced Nekokurage to 10 months in prison, suspended for three years, along with a fine of 11 million yen (approximately US$77,146).
Following this decision, Nekokurage expressed deep regret for the situation and assured fans that they are now working with a reliable tax accountant to avoid future problems.
They also committed to continuing work on The Apothecary Diaries manga, as a way to show appreciation to the readers and collaborators who have continued to support them despite the circumstances.
The tax evasion case involved unreported income from 2019 to 2021, totaling around 260 million yen (roughly US$1.8 million).
Nekokurage failed to declare this income and avoided paying about 47 million yen (US$329,627) in taxes.
During the trial, it was revealed that the undeclared money had been used to buy real estate.
Nekokurage admitted to the charges, explaining that they hadn’t meant to evade the taxes but had planned to pay the full amount later.
They attributed the oversight to a lack of understanding about tax filing and clarified that all taxes were fully paid in 2022 after receiving help from the tax office and an accountant.
Despite these legal issues, Square Enix announced they have no plans to cancel The Apothecary Diaries manga.
The series, which Nekokurage began in 2017, continues to be successful, with the 14th volume scheduled for release in September 2024.
The original light novel by Natsu Hyūga, published in 2011, has also grown in popularity. It inspired an anime adaptation that aired in late 2023, with a second season set for release in 2025.
