The Fukuoka District Court handed Nekokurage (real name Erika Ikeda), the artist for one of the manga adaptations of The Apothecary Diaries light novels, a suspended sentence of 10 months in prison and a fine of 11 million yen (about US$70,600) for the crime of tax evasion on Wednesday.
The prosecution had sought a sentence of 10 months in prison with a 14 million yen (about US$89,800) fine.
The light novel series inspired an anime that premiered in October 2023, and aired for two cours (quarters of a year).
However, since the prison sentence is suspended for three years, if Nekokurage remains on good behavior for three years, they will not serve time in prison.