Is The Apothecary Diaries mangaka in jail?

If you have been keeping up with The Apothecary Diaries manga (kusuriya no hitorigoto manga), chances are you’ve seen whispers online asking a rather shocking question: Is the mangaka in jail? It’s a rumor that has popped up across forums, comment sections, and social media groups, leaving many fans scratching their heads. Considering how beloved the story has become, it’s no wonder people are curious and a little concerned.

In this article, let’s dive deep into where this rumor started, what the reality is, and why fans should focus more on the manga itself rather than the gossip.

First Things First: Who Is the Mangaka of The Apothecary Diaries?

Before we even tackle the jail rumor, it’s important to understand who we’re talking about. The Apothecary Diaries began as a web novel written by Natsu Hyuuga, which was later adapted into light novels, manga, and eventually an anime adaptation. The manga version that fans adore today is illustrated by Nekokurage, with Hyuuga still being credited as the author of the original work.

So when people talk about “the mangaka,” they’re usually referring to Nekokurage, the artist, though sometimes fans lump both the writer and illustrator together. This already creates some confusion online, since not everyone specifies which creator they mean when spreading news or rumors.

Where Did the Jail Rumor Start?

Now, here’s the tricky part. No official news outlet, Japanese source, or publishing company has ever confirmed that Nekokurage or Natsu Hyuuga has been arrested or jailed. Instead, the rumor seems to have sprung from fan speculation on social platforms.

Some theories suggest the rumor started because of sudden breaks in serialization. Like many manga artists, Nekokurage has occasionally taken hiatuses, whether due to health reasons or workload. Whenever this happens in the manga world, fans sometimes assume the worst, sparking dramatic claims like “the author is in jail” or “the artist disappeared.”

This isn’t unique to The Apothecary Diaries either. If you’ve been in manga fandoms for long, you know this kind of gossip tends to resurface whenever there’s a delay in publication.

Why People Believe Such Rumors

It may sound silly at first, but there are a few reasons why fans latch on to these kinds of rumors:

The nature of manga publication: Weekly or monthly chapters create a pattern of expectation. When that rhythm is broken, speculation fills the void.
A lack of official communication: Publishers don’t always explain why a series is delayed, which leaves fans guessing.
Manga industry history: There have been rare but real cases of creators getting into legal trouble. Fans project those past incidents onto current artists, even when there’s no evidence.

So in short, it’s a mix of impatience, lack of info, and fandom anxiety that fuels these stories.

The Truth: No, the Mangaka Is Not in Jail

Let’s put it clearly: there is no credible evidence that the mangaka of The Apothecary Diaries is in jail. Neither Natsu Hyuuga nor Nekokurage has been reported by reliable sources as facing arrest or legal action.

In fact, the manga continues to be published in Square Enix’s Monthly Big Gangan magazine. New chapters have been released, and the anime adaptation has only increased the popularity of the franchise. If something as drastic as the mangaka being jailed were true, it would be all over Japanese news sites and official publisher statements.

Why the Manga Sometimes Has Delays

If the creators aren’t in legal trouble, what explains the breaks in the manga’s schedule? Most often, it comes down to:

Health-related issues: Being a mangaka is an extremely demanding job, requiring long hours of drawing. Many artists face exhaustion or illnesses that force them to take time off.
Publishing schedules: Sometimes magazines reorganize releases, which can cause shifts in how chapters are delivered.
Adaptation projects: With the anime now out, it’s not uncommon for authors and illustrators to coordinate timing with adaptations.

So instead of thinking about jail, it’s far more realistic to assume the pauses are part of the normal ups and downs of the industry.

How Fans Should React to These Rumors

At the end of the day, fans of The Apothecary Diaries manga should focus on what matters most: supporting the work itself. Rumors like this spread quickly online, but they don’t do the creators or the community any favors. Sharing misinformation can damage reputations and cause unnecessary panic.

If you’re truly worried about the state of the manga, the best thing to do is check official sources: publisher announcements, author statements, or legitimate Japanese news sites. Anything else should be taken with a grain of salt.

Celebrating the Success of The Apothecary Diaries

Rather than dwelling on baseless claims, it’s worth celebrating just how far this series has come. Starting as a web novel, it has blossomed into a full multimedia franchise with:

A popular manga adaptation illustrated by Nekokurage
Light novels continuing the original story by Natsu Hyuuga
An anime series that introduced even more fans to Maomao’s sharp wit and unique world

The story has struck a chord with readers thanks to its combination of mystery, palace intrigue, and clever character writing. Fans who want to keep up with the latest updates can find discussions, chapter breakdowns, and more at places like The Apothecary Diaries manga site.

So, is the mangaka of The Apothecary Diaries in jail? The answer is a resounding no. The rumor is just that a rumor. While breaks in the manga’s release may raise eyebrows, there’s no concrete reason to believe either the writer or illustrator has faced legal trouble.

Instead of focusing on gossip, it’s better to appreciate the incredible story that continues to captivate readers worldwide. With each chapter, we get more of Maomao’s sharp observations, clever deductions, and the palace drama that makes this manga so addictive.

Next time you see someone bring up the jail rumor, you can confidently set the record straight: the creators are doing fine, and the manga is alive and well.