In a recent development, Nekokurage, the manga artist behind “Apothecary Diaries,” has pleaded guilty to tax evasion amounting to 47 million yen. The case, which unfolded in the Fukuoka District Court under Judge Yuko Takeda, shed light on Erika Ikeda (36), who resides in Minami-ku, Fukuoka City.
Ikeda, known by her pen name “Neko Kurage,” faced charges of violating the Income Tax Act by failing to file tax returns, resulting in the evasion of approximately 47 million yen in taxes. During the first hearing, Ikeda admitted to the charges, expressing her intent to file tax returns for multiple years at once.
The prosecution outlined Ikeda’s trajectory as a manga artist, noting that she commenced her career in 2010 and was advised on the importance of filing tax returns by an acquaintance. Despite being cognizant of the necessity, Ikeda allegedly prioritized manga deadlines over tax obligations, repeatedly failing to meet filing deadlines over the years.
Additionally, statements from Ikeda’s editor and the original author of “The Apothecary Diaries” emphasized the importance of adhering to tax regulations. The editor warned of potential repercussions, including series cancellation, while the original author advised seeking guidance from a tax accountant.
According to official documents, Ikeda earned approximately 260 million yen as a manga artist between 2019 and 2021. However, she neglected to declare this income within the stipulated timeframe, resulting in the evasion of 47 million yen in income tax. Subsequently, Ikeda settled the outstanding amount, inclusive of late fees.
The case highlights the legal and financial responsibilities associated with creative professions and serves as a cautionary tale for manga artists and creators alike.
