The Apothecary Diaries Manga Artist Charged with Tax Violation

Nekokurage, the artist behind The Apothecary Diaries manga, has been charged with violating the Japanese Income Tax Act for failing to declare approximately 260 million yen in income. Find out more about the charges and the artist’s response.

The Apothecary Diaries Manga Artist Faces Tax Violation Charges

Nekokurage, the talented artist behind The Apothecary Diaries manga, has recently been charged with violating the Japanese Income Tax Act. The charges stem from her failure to declare a substantial amount of income earned between 2019 and 2021, totaling approximately 260 million yen (~$1.7m). Out of this amount, 47 million yen ($310k) is subject to taxation.

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This unexpected turn of events has cast a shadow over The Apothecary Diaries anime, despite its initial popularity. It is important to note that these charges have no connection to the original light novel series or the manga adaptation. The charges solely pertain to the artist’s tax obligations.

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( Credit to: Animecorner )

Artist’s Apology and Response to the Charges

In response to the charges, Nekokurage has issued a sincere apology. She admitted to neglecting her tax obligations due to ignorance but promptly paid the full amount owed, including extra tax and non-declaration tax, once she became aware of her mistake. She is now working closely with an accountant to ensure proper tax payment and has expressed her willingness to accept the consequences of her ignorance and lack of education.

Nekokurage also expressed regret for inconveniencing her supporters and those who diligently pay their taxes. She has vowed that such an incident will never happen again, showing her commitment to rectifying the situation and preventing any future occurrences.

Impact on The Apothecary Diaries

The charges against Nekokurage have inevitably brought unwanted attention to The Apothecary Diaries anime. However, it is crucial to understand that these charges do not reflect the quality or integrity of the original light novel series by Natsu Hyuga and Touko Shino or the manga adaptation by Minoji Kurata.

Despite the current scrutiny, The Apothecary Diaries manga continues to captivate readers. Serialized since May 2017, the manga has already reached an impressive 13 volumes as of March 25, 2024. The ongoing anime adaptation by Toho Animation Studio and OLM has also garnered a dedicated following, with the recent release of the third Blu-ray disc.

The Apothecary Diaries: A Brief Overview

The Apothecary Diaries manga, licensed by Square Enix for North America, revolves around the story of Maomao. She is a young woman with exceptional skills in herbal medicine who finds herself working as a servant in the inner palace. However, her talents do not go unnoticed, and she soon becomes a food taster and a solver of mysteries.

The series combines elements of historical fiction, mystery, and fantasy, creating a captivating narrative that has resonated with readers and viewers alike. The intricate world-building, engaging characters, and intriguing plotlines have made The Apothecary Diaries a beloved series within the manga and anime community.

Personal Challenges and Future Outlook

In addition to the tax charges, Nekokurage recently revealed that she has been diagnosed with a brain aneurysm. However, she reassured her fans that there is no immediate danger. This unfortunate health situation adds another layer of difficulty to the artist’s life, but her determination and resilience shine through.

Despite the challenges she faces, Nekokurage remains committed to her craft and the continuation of The Apothecary Diaries manga. Her fans eagerly await future volumes and the progression of the anime adaptation, showing their unwavering support for the artist and her work.