"Kusuriya no Hitorigoto" illustrator Nekokurage is accused of suspicion of tax evasion of 47 million yen, admits to neglecting to file his tax return for three years

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The Fukuoka Regional Taxation Bureau announced on the 1st that it has filed a complaint with the Fukuoka District Public Prosecutors Office against manga artist Ikeda Erika (better known in the manga world as “Nekokurage”) (36), who is in charge of the illustrations for the manga “Yakiya no Hitorigoto” (Apothecary’s Soliloquy”), on suspicion of violating the Income Tax Act.

According to the Fukuoka Regional Taxation Bureau. Ikeda is suspected of evading approximately 47 million yen ($309,918 usd) in income tax by not declaring it, despite having a total income of approximately 260 million yen in royalties and manuscript fees over the three-year period from 2019 to 2021.

According to the publisher and others, the work, which was released as a light novel (originally by writer Hyuga Natsu and illustrated by Shino Touko), was made into a manga by multiple companies, and was also made into an anime.

Nekokurage has posted about his troubles on X writing:

Regarding tax declarations

I am very sorry that this has happened.

Previously, I neglected to file my final tax return because I was ignorant about taxes. In 2022, I received instructions from the tax office to pay the main tax, extra tax, and non-declaration tax, so I paid the full amount immediately and am currently working with a tax accountant to properly file and pay taxes.

I will accept all the consequences of my ignorance and lack of education. More than that, I am filled with apologies to everyone who has caused any inconvenience and to everyone who has been supporting us. I also deeply regret that I was dishonest with everyone who is fulfilling their tax obligations. Nothing like this will ever happen again.

Please note that this matter is a personal matter for nekokurage, and has nothing to do with the original author of the work that I am in charge of illustrating, or any other sensei involved in the illustration of the same work.