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.
Nekokurage Vows to Keep The Apothecary Diaries Going Following Tax Evasion Conviction (J-Novel Club)
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.
The second season of Seirei Gensouki: Spirit Chronicles is set to start on October 7, continuing the story of Rio, who struggles with his troubled past.
This new season brings back the anime adaptation of the popular light novel series by Yuri Kitayama and illustrated by Riv.
To celebrate the upcoming release, a new trailer has been revealed, featuring the opening song Auftakt by Aguri Onishi.
Hiroshi Kubo directs the anime at TMS Entertainment and WAO World, with Osamu Yamazaki as the supervising director and series composition writer.
Seirei Gensouki Season 2 (TMS Entertainment)
Kyoko Yufu handles the character designs, while Yasuyuki Yamazaki composes the music. This collaboration aims to bring the continuing saga of Rio’s adventures to life with fresh energy and creativity.
The light novel series, published by Hobby Japan under the HJ Bunko label, has been translated into English by J-Novel Club.
The anime’s first season, available on Crunchyroll, introduces Rio, who is haunted by memories of his past life. Orphaned after his mother’s death, Rio survives the harsh realities of life in the slums.
He discovers that he has reincarnated as Haruto Amakawa, who had longed to be reunited with his childhood friend.
In his new life, Rio’s journey begins when he helps prevent the kidnapping of a princess and is subsequently enrolled in a prestigious school for nobles.
As he handles this new world of magic and societal hierarchy, he encounters new friends and faces many challenges.
His quest to rise above his circumstances and alter his fate drives the story forward, blending themes of adventure and personal growth.
