The Apothecary Diaries mangaka Erika Ikeda, known by her pen name Nekokurage, has been reported to the Fukuoka District Public Prosecutors Office by the Fukuoka Regional Tax Bureau for suspected violations of the Income Tax Law, citing tax evasion of approximately 47 million yen.

The mangaka was indicted by the bureau on Feb 29, 2024.

According to Fukuoka Regional Taxation Bureau, the mangaka failed to declare an estimated 260 million yen (approximately US$1.7 million) in income and evading approximately 47 million yen (about US$310,000) in taxes spanning from 2019 to 2021.

Authorities have stated that the funds in question, which include proceeds from manga sales, were allegedly utilized for real estate acquisitions.

Nekokurage addressed the issue on Twitter, expressing deep regret and apologizing for her ignorance and negligence regarding tax obligations. She acknowledged promptly settling taxes, penalties, and interest upon receiving instructions from the tax office in 2022, and has since enlisted the assistance of a tax accountant to ensure compliance with filing and payment obligations.

Furthermore, she emphasized that the matter is personal and unrelated to the original authors of the works she adapted into manga or any other artists involved in the adaptations.

Her full statement can be read below:

“Regarding tax filing, I sincerely apologize for the situation that has arisen.
I was ignorant about taxes in the past and neglected to file my tax returns. In 2022, I received instructions from the tax office to pay the main tax, additional taxes, and penalties for failure to file, which I promptly paid in full. Currently, I have entrusted a tax accountant to ensure proper filing and payment of taxes.
I fully accept responsibility for the consequences of my ignorance and negligence. More than that, I am deeply sorry to everyone who has been inconvenienced and to those who have supported me. I also deeply regret being dishonest to those who fulfill their tax obligations properly. I assure you that such a situation will never happen again.
Furthermore, this matter pertains solely to me, Neko Kurage, personally, and has no relation to the original authors of the works I am responsible for adapting into manga, or to any other artists involved in those adaptations. I kindly request that there be no confusion in this regard.“

Source: Kyodo News, Twitter