Danica Davidson
April 2, 2024 
Nekokurage, who is adapting The Apothecary Diaries light novels into a manga series, has been indicted by the Fukuoka Regional Taxation Bureau. The allegations are that she failed to declare her income of about 260 million yen (approximately $1.7 million), and she evaded paying an owed amount of about 47 million yen (approximately $310,000). This concerns the years 2019-2021.
Nekokurage took to social media, not denying anything, but essentially saying that it was a mistake because she didn’t know better. She says that it was her own ignorance that led to this problem. She says she has now gone to a tax accountant to get help in appropriately filing tax returns. She also made it clear that this only involves her, and does not involve Natsu Hyuga, who wrote the original Apothecary Diaries light novels that Nekokurage adapted. It also does not pertain to anybody else from the franchise.
Square Enix Manga & Books is publishing The Apothecary Diaries manga in America, and gave this description for the first volume:
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?!
The Apothecary Diaries also has an anime adaptation, which began in October 2023. The original light novels are being released in English by J-Novel Club.
Source: ANN
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Danica Davidson is the author of the bestselling Manga Art for Beginners with artist Melanie Westin. She is also the author of its upcoming 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.
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