The Apothecary Diaries Manga Artist Confessed Of Evading Income Tax Worth 47 Million Yen!
“I intended to file a consolidated tax return over several years,” Ikeda stated after acknowledging the charges.
Erika Ikeda, the illustrator for the “Apothecary Diaries” manga who works under the pen name Nekokurage, has confessed to evading taxes in violation of the Income Tax Act. She admitted to failing to declare approximately 47 million yen (around $300,000) in income.
“I intended to file a consolidated tax return over several years,” Ikeda stated after acknowledging the charges, but later did not take any action to execute it.
Ikeda began her career as a manga artist in 2010 and was informed by an acquaintance about the necessity of filing tax returns. The prosecutors noted that, although she was aware of this requirement, she prioritized her manga deadlines over filing her taxes.
It was also revealed that Ikeda had a history of submitting tax returns late over several years. A statement from her editor, which emphasized that the series could be canceled if she encountered legal issues, urged her to file her tax returns. Additionally, a statement from the original author of “The Apothecary Diaries” advised her to seek assistance from a tax accountant.
According to the indictment and related documents, Ikeda earned approximately 260 million yen from 2019 to 2021 as a manga artist but failed to declare this income on time, resulting in the evasion of about 47 million yen in income tax. However, she has since paid the full amount, including late fees.
About The Apothecary Diaries:
“The Apothecary Diaries,” also known as “Kusuriya no Hitorigoto” in Japanese, is a captivating light novel series penned by Natsu Hyūga and brought to life with illustrations by Touko Shino. First appearing online in 2011 on the platform Shōsetsuka ni Narō, the series quickly gained popularity. Shufunotomo recognized its potential and published it as a novel in 2012, followed by a light novel series in 2014, all set within a fictional realm reminiscent of Imperial China.
The story’s charm led to the creation of two manga adaptations in 2017: one by Square Enix in Monthly Big Gangan and another by Shogakukan in Monthly Sunday Gene-X. North American fans can enjoy the digital version of the light novel thanks to J-Novel Club, while Square Enix handles the print edition. Additionally, Square Enix holds the license for the manga adaptation illustrated by Nekokurage.
Excitement peaked when an anime television series, produced by Toho Animation Studio and OLM, premiered in October 2023, bringing “The Apothecary Diaries” to life!
J-Novel Club is publishing the novel series digitally, and it describes the story as follows:
In the East is a land ruled by an emperor, whose consorts and serving women live in a sprawling complex known as the hougong, the rear palace. Maomao, an unassuming girl raised in an unassuming town by her apothecary father, never imagined the rear palace would have anything to do with her—until she was kidnapped and sold into service there. Though she looks ordinary, Maomao has a quick wit, a sharp mind, and an extensive knowledge of medicine. That’s her secret, until she encounters a resident of the palace at least as perceptive as she is: the head eunuch, Jinshi. He sees through Maomao’s façade and makes her a lady-in-waiting to none other than the Emperor’s favorite consort… so she can taste the lady’s food for poison! At her lady’s side, Maomao starts to learn about everything that goes on in the rear palace—not all of it seemly. Can she ever lead a quiet life, or will her powers of deduction and insatiable curiosity bring her ever more adventures, and ever more dangers?
Source: Livedoor News
