Danica Davidson
July 25, 2024 
The results are in for the tax evasion case of Nekokurage, the illustrator of The Apothecary Diaries manga. The artist is receiving a suspended sentence of 10 months and being fined 11 million yen (approximately $70,600). The prosecution was trying to get a larger fine of 14 million yen (approximately $89,800) and for Nekokurage to spend 10 months behind bars. Because it is a suspended sentence, that means if she behaves for three years, she won’t spend any time locked up.
Earlier this year the Fukuoka Regional Taxation Bureau claimed that Nekokurage had failed to declare around 260 million yen (approximately $1.6 million) and evaded paying up an owed 47 million yen (approximately $298,887). This was said to have happened between 2019 and 2021.
After this became public, Nekokurage took to social media to say this had all happened because of ignorance, and to make it clear the author of The Apothecary Diaries (as well as everyone else working on the manga) was not involved. Nekokurage likewise pleaded guilty in court and claimed she had “no intention of evading the tax payments.”
Square Enix Manga & Books publishes The Apothecary Diaries manga in English and gave this description for it:
The Apothecary Diaries Plot
After breaking a “curse” on the imperial heirs, a palace servant with training in herbal medicine is promoted up the ranks to food taster…and right into the thick of palace intrigue!
Maomao, a young woman trained in the art of herbal medicine, is forced to work as a lowly servant in the inner palace. Though she yearns for life outside its perfumed halls, she isn’t long for a life of drudgery! Using her wits to break a “curse” afflicting the imperial heirs, Maomao attracts the attentions of the handsome eunuch Jinshi and is promoted to attendant food taster. But Jinshi has other plans for the erstwhile apothecary, and soon Maomao is back to brewing potions and…solving mysteries?!
Source: ANN
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Danica Davidson is the author of the bestselling Manga Art for Beginners with artist Melanie Westin, plus its sequel, Manga Art for Everyone, and the first-of-its-kind manga chalk book Chalk Art Manga, both illustrated by professional Japanese mangaka Rena Saiya. Check out her other comics and books at www.danicadavidson.com.
