Kadokawa unveiled on July 14, 2025, that the enchanting light novel series Kusunoki's Garden of Gods (Kami no Niwatsuki Kusunoki-tei), crafted by Enju with illustrations by ox, will grace screens as a television anime in 2026. The announcement, paired with a striking teaser visual, has sparked anticipation for what promises to be a unique addition to the anime landscape, blending slice-of-life charm with supernatural intrigue.
The announcement marks a significant milestone for the series, which has captivated readers since its inception. To celebrate, both the original novel illustrator ox and manga adaptation artist Akira Anzai contributed commemorative illustrations, further highlighting the series' growing cultural impact. While details such as the cast, staff, and animation studio remain under wraps, the teaser visual offers a tantalizing glimpse into the serene yet mystical world of Kusunoki's Garden of Gods, setting the stage for a visually enchanting adaptation.
What is Kusunoki's Garden of Gods about?
The Kusunoki's Garden of Gods light novel series began its journey in 2021, initially published on the user-generated novel platform Shōsetsuka ni Narō. Its unique blend of fantasy, spirituality, and laid-back storytelling quickly garnered attention, leading to its official acquisition by ASCII Media Works later that year. Since then, the series has grown to include nine light novel volumes and four manga volumes in Japan, with a tenth novel volume slated for release on July 17, 2025. The story’s appeal lies in its ability to weave the mundane with the divine, creating a narrative that feels both grounded and otherworldly.
At its core, Kusunoki's Garden of Gods follows Minato Kusunoki, a young man tasked with overseeing a countryside residence that once teemed with malevolent spirits. Thanks to Minato’s extraordinary exorcism abilities, the house is now a purified haven, attracting a colorful array of gods and supernatural beings who seek its tranquility. The official description from Yen Press paints a vivid picture of the series’ charm:
With the arrival of the freewheeling kirin and the stern ho’o, the Kusunoki household is more lively and divine than ever. The garden of gods changes to spring at the whim of the Yamagami, and Minato and the other residents spend their leisurely days watching the cherry blossoms and savoring seasonal delicacies. New beings wander into the garden, and Minato finds his way into other kami realms, proving that springtime truly is the season of new beginnings. Meanwhile, however, the onmyoji find themselves run ragged exterminating the huge number of evil spirits that always seem to rear their heads at this time of year…
This premise sets the stage for a narrative that balances serene, slice-of-life moments with the subtle tension of supernatural encounters. Minato’s interactions with gods like the whimsical kirin and the enigmatic ho’o, alongside his ventures into divine realms, promise a story rich with cultural depth and visual splendor. The series’ focus on seasonal changes and traditional Japanese elements, such as cherry blossoms and onmyoji practices, adds a layer of authenticity that resonates with fans of folklore-inspired tales.
As the anime adaptation approaches its 2026 premiere, anticipation continues to build for how this tranquil yet mystical world will be brought to life on screen. With Kadokawa’s track record of delivering high-quality adaptations, Kusunoki's Garden of Gods is poised to become a standout title in the coming years, offering viewers a refreshing blend of relaxation and divine wonder.
Sources: Press Release & official X account of Kusunoki's Garden of Gods
