The critically acclaimed historical anime series The Apothecary Diaries will persist on Crunchyroll and Netflix despite recent legal troubles involving its manga artist, Erika Ikeda, known by her pseudonym Nekokurage. On 24 July 2024, the Fukuoka court found Ikeda guilty of substantial tax evasion. Nevertheless, both the manga and anime adaptations of the popular franchise are set to continue as scheduled.
Understanding The Apothecary Diaries
The Apothecary Diaries began as a light novel series by Natsu Hyūga, with illustrations by Touko Shino, debuting in October 2011. Its success led to adaptations across multiple formats, including two distinct manga series and an anime television show. The manga versions—one illustrated by Nekokurage and the other by Minoji Kurata—began publication in 2017 under Square Enix and Shogakukan, respectively. The anime, produced by Toho Animation Studios and OLM, aired from October 2023 to March 2024 and is scheduled for a second season in 2025.
Nekokurage’s manga adaptation has been particularly influential and well-received. Her work is available in North America, where it has garnered a significant following. Despite the recent legal issues, Nekokurage will continue working on her manga series, which is published monthly in Square Enix’s Monthly Big Gangan.
Tax Evasion Case and Legal Consequences
The case against Nekokurage involved allegations of tax evasion, with the court finding Ikeda guilty of failing to pay taxes on earnings amounting to approximately 47 million yen (over £300,000). This income, accrued from royalties and manuscript fees between 2019 and 2021, was not declared properly. The artist’s total earnings during this period were reported to be around 260 million yen (approximately £1.7 million). The case revealed significant lapses in her financial management, attributed to the rapid rise in her popularity and a subsequent neglect of her tax obligations.
The judge sentenced Ikeda to ten months in prison, with three years suspended due to her admission of guilt and remorse. Additionally, she was fined 11 million yen (about £70,000). Ikeda has since settled the unpaid taxes in full.
Impact on The Apothecary Diaries
The legal situation surrounding Nekokurage has generated considerable discussion within the anime and manga community. However, Square Enix has confirmed that the publication of The Apothecary Diaries will proceed without interruption. The publisher has stated its commitment to continuing the series and supporting its creator, ensuring that the franchise’s momentum remains strong.
In an interesting twist, the Japanese online community has responded to the legal situation with a mix of humour and critique. Following the conviction, there has been a playful renaming of the manga versions: Ikeda’s adaptation is now referred to as “The Tax Evasion Version,” while Kurata’s is known as “The Tax Compliant Version.” Despite this development, both manga adaptations will continue to be published as normal.
The second season of the anime, scheduled to air in 2025, will also proceed as planned. The production team has assured fans that the legal issues involving Nekokurage will not affect the production or release timeline of the new episodes.
The continuation of The Apothecary Diaries franchise, in spite of the recent legal challenges faced by Nekokurage, underscores the enduring appeal of the series and the resilience of its various adaptations. While the artist’s conviction has certainly stirred significant debate, it is clear that both the manga and anime will persist in captivating their audiences. This resolution highlights the necessity of addressing legal and financial responsibilities, even amid a flourishing career in the creative arts.
As fans look forward to the next instalment in the The Apothecary Diaries saga, it remains to be seen how the franchise will navigate this period of upheaval. One thing is certain: the beloved series will continue to unfold, promising new adventures and insights in the years ahead.
