On July 24, the Fukuoka District Court handed down a sentence against the mangaka Erika Ikedaknown by the pseudonym “Nekokurage“, for violation of the Income Tax Law. The artist, recognized for her work in manga “Kusuriya no Hitorigoto”, was accused of evading taxes of approximately 47 million yen (more than 300 thousand dollars). The judge considered that it was a serious tax evasion over several yearssentencing Ikeda to 10 months in prison with a 3-year suspension of execution, plus a fine of 11 million yen (more than 71 thousand dollars).

The “3-year suspension of execution” means that the prison sentence will not be carried out unless the defendant commits another crime during this probationary period. If Ikeda maintains proper behavior during these three years, the prison sentence will be annulled.

The investigation revealed that between 2019 and 2021, Ikeda earned approximately 260 million yen in revenue from royalties and manuscript payments, which were not properly reported. The judge noted that although the manga's sudden popularity led to a significant increase in income, the author prioritized her work and private life over her tax responsibilities.

Despite the decision, Square Enix, publisher of this version of the manga “Kusuriya no Hitorigoto”, assured that has no plans to stop serialization of the manga, which began in May 2017 in the magazine “Monthly Big Gangan”. The company reaffirmed its commitment to the series and its continuity.

“Kusuriya no Hitorigoto”, originally a light novel series, gained great popularity in Japan and internationally. The original work, written by Natsu Hyuuga, follows the story of Maomao, a young pharmacist who, after being sold as a servant of the imperial palace, uses his knowledge of medicine to solve mysteries and conspiracies at court.

The manga adaptation, made by Nekokurage, is just one part of the franchise. The series also had a successful anime adaptation in October 2023., which was well received by audiences and critics. A second season is currently in production, scheduled for 2025.

With the franchise constantly growing and expanding into various formats, Ikeda's tax incident does not affect the continuity of the “Kusuriya no Hitorigoto” universeassuring fans that they can expect more content in the near future.

Source: Live News