Introduction to Neko Kurage, the Manga Creator of "The Apothecary Diaries": Profile and Past Works

"The Apothecary Diaries" is an imperial court mystery entertainment centered around Maomao, a young apothecary girl, who solves incidents and mysteries with her knowledge of medicine and poison amidst the intrigues of a great empire's court.

The work, originally serialized by Hyuganatsu on the novel post site "Shousetsuka ni Narou," was further edited into a light novel published by Hero Bunko (Shufu no Tomo Sha). This became the source material for the subsequent anime and manga adaptations. Manga versions were created by two publishers, Square Enix and Shogakukan, with the series amassing over 38 million copies in circulation. The first anime season is set to air continuously for two-cour starting October 2023, with a second season announced for 2025.

This article focuses on Neko Kurage, the manga artist for the Square Enix version of "The Apothecary Diaries," elucidating the profile, major past works, and social media posts of Neko Kurage.

What is "The Apothecary Diaries"?

"The Apothecary Diaries" begins with the protagonist Maomao, who previously worked as an apothecary in the pleasure district, getting abducted and made to work in the harem. Only interested in medicine and poison, Maomao waits for her release while working as a maidservant, trying to remain inconspicuous. However, her curiosity leads her to investigate a series of mysterious deaths of the emperor’s children, and after anonymously notifying a consort of the solution, she catches the attention of the handsome eunuch, Jinshi.

Maomao is eventually promoted to the role of poison taster for the emperor’s favored consort and, in addition to her maid duties, is asked for consultation by Jinshi. With her vast knowledge and keen insight, Maomao finds herself unraveling various incidents and mysteries within the intrigue-laden court.

Two Manga Versions of "The Apothecary Diaries"

"The Apothecary Diaries," based on the Hero Bunko light novel by Hyuganatsu, has been turned into two separate manga adaptations by different publishers. Neko Kurage is responsible for the artwork in the Square Enix version.

• ・Square Enix Version "The Apothecary Diaries"
  Publishing Magazine: Monthly Big Gangan, Art: Neko Kurage, Composition: Nanao Ikki, Volumes Published: 14

• 
  ・Shogakukan Version "The Apothecary Diaries: Maomao's Courtroom Mysterious Notebook"
  Publishing Magazine: Sunday GX, Art: Kurata Minoru, Volumes Published: 18

What is Neko Kurage's Profile?

Neko Kurage hails from Kamiamakusa City in Kumamoto Prefecture and was born on July 30. She graduated from the Fukuoka Design & Technology Professional School.

In 2009, she won the Honorable Mention in the first "Gangan Joker New Manga Awards" published in the July issue of "Gangan JOKER." Thereafter, she engaged in illustrating manga related to game commentary on Nico Nico Video and contributed illustrations and manga to the doujinshi U-cafe Publishing Division's "U-cafeX." In 2010, she won the Runner-Up Prize in the second "Square Enix War Manga Awards," which led her to start having serialized works.

Neko Kurage started drawing when she was in elementary school. During a summer vacation free research project where she kept an observation journal of stray cats, she began characterizing and drawing cats. During middle school, she read various books related to the Romance of the Three Kingdoms and was influenced by the works of novelist Banrei. She also names illustrator Hitomi Kawai as one of the creators who influenced her.

In her private life, she is a fan of Morning Musume and has been following their activities for a long time, even attending their concerts.

What are Neko Kurage's Major Past Works?

The main works that Neko Kurage has released so far are as follows:

One-Shots
・"Ken no Uta Fude no Uta"
Published: Gangan ONLINE, Year of Release: 2010

Serialization
・"Soshokukei Danshi"
Published: Gangan ONLINE, Year of Release: 2011-2012, Volumes Published: 2
・"The Apothecary Diaries"
Publishing Magazine: Monthly Big Gangan, Year of Release: 2017- , Volumes Published: 14

Anthologies
・"Valvrave the Liberator" Anthology Comic
・Ao Oni: An Soro Arc
・Monthly Girls' Nozaki-kun Anthology

Does the Manga Creator Neko Kurage Have Any Social Media?

Neko Kurage does not have any blogs or other social media presence except for X (formerly Twitter), where you can check out Neko Kurage's account.

Here, announcements of book releases, everyday posts, and illustrations of characters from "The Apothecary Diaries" are shared. Neko Kurage keeps three cats and often posts pictures showing the cats in her home.

Is Neko Kurage Male or Female?

Neko Kurage is female. There was once recruitment for assistants restricted to females. Although Neko Kurage's appearances rarely show up in her posts on X, there are photos of her manicured hands.

Is Neko Kurage's Real Face Revealed? Does She Appear Publicly?

Neko Kurage does not show her face on X or in interviews. While she frequently posts about the cats in her home or her meals on X, her face remains unseen. Only parts of her, like her hands and feet, are rarely shown.

Report of an Aneurysm Discovery

On March 26, 2024, Neko Kurage posted on X about the discovery of a brain aneurysm. She commented, "It doesn’t seem to be in an immediately dangerous state, so it’s okay."

Summary of Manga Creator Neko Kurage of "The Apothecary Diaries"

Neko Kurage is the creator of the Square Enix version of the manga "The Apothecary Diaries." After winning an award in 2010, she began having serialized works. Since then, she contributed to one-shot works and anthologies and eventually took on the role of creating the manga adaptation of "The Apothecary Diaries."

On X, she frequently engages in everyday postings but keeps her identity and appearance hidden. Occasionally, illustrations of characters from "The Apothecary Diaries" are shared. If you are interested, please check out Neko Kurage's X account.

(C)Hyuganatsu, Imagica Infos/"The Apothecary Diaries"Project

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