A statement from Nekokurage’s editor telling them to “make sure to file a tax return, or the [manga] series will be canceled if you cause trouble,” and from the original creator of The Apothecary Diaries light novels Natsu Hyūga advising Nekokurage “to consult with a tax accountant,” were read out.
Nekokurage (real name Erika Ikeda), the artist of one of the manga adaptations of The Apothecary Diaries light novels, pleaded guilty to tax evasion charges on Friday, during the case’s first hearing at the Fukuoka District Court.
Nekokurage clarified that the case is a personal matter that has nothing to do with The Apothecary Diaries’ original light novel series author or anyone else involved in the manga’s creation.
The prosecution claimed Nekokurage subsequently consulted a tax accountant, but felt that filing the tax return was troublesome, and instead prioritized the manuscript with its nearing deadline.