The enchanting world of Enju’s popular light novel series, Kusunoki’s Garden of Gods (also known as Kami no Niwatsuki Kusunoki-tei), is officially making its way to television screens with a newly announced anime adaptation slated for 2026. This highly anticipated announcement from Kadokawa has sparked excitement among fans of the serene fantasy series, promising to bring its unique blend of slice-of-life charm and Japanese mythology to a broader audience.
A New Chapter for the Beloved Series
The news of a TV anime adaptation for Kusunoki’s Garden of Gods marks a significant milestone for the franchise. First captivating readers as a web novel on the Shōsetsuka ni Narō website in April 2021, the series quickly gained traction, later being picked up by ASCII Media Works for full publication under their Dengeki no Shin Bungei imprint in November 2021. Its growing popularity also led to a manga adaptation, illustrated by Akira Anzai, which began serialization on Kadokawa’s ComicWalker website in November 2021. As of March 2025, the light novel boasts nine volumes, with the tenth volume scheduled to ship on July 17, while the manga has four compiled volumes.
The announcement was accompanied by a teaser visual featuring the series’ protagonist, Minato Kusunoki, alongside his wolf spirit companion, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the animated world. While the production studio, staff, and voice cast are yet to be revealed, the confirmation of a 2026 release window provides ample time for anticipation to build among the growing fanbase.
The Alluring Premise of “Kusunoki’s Garden of Gods”
At its heart, Kusunoki’s Garden of Gods is a fantasy slice-of-life narrative that gently immerses its audience in a world where the spiritual and human realms peacefully intertwine. The story centers on Minato Kusunoki, a young man who finds himself in charge of a house deep in the countryside. Unbeknownst to him, Minato possesses an extraordinary innate ability: his pristine handwriting can effectively clear evil spirits and miasma.
Upon his arrival at the rural residence, Minato inadvertently exorcises the malevolent spirits that had long plagued the property simply by touching his hand-drawn map to the door. This act of purification transforms the house into a sanctuary, attracting a procession of unique and peculiar gods, or kami, who are drawn to the comfort and sanctity of the now-purified Kusunoki household.
The series follows Minato’s tranquil daily life as he adapts to becoming a caretaker for these divine, spiritual neighbors. His days are spent in leisurely activities, from watching cherry blossoms to savoring seasonal delicacies, often in the company of entities like the freewheeling kirin and the stern ho’o, whose arrival has made the Kusunoki residence even more lively. Beyond the confines of his garden, Minato’s interactions extend to onmyoji (yin-yang masters) he encounters in town, and he even receives blessings from spirits he aids, further enhancing his connection to the supernatural world. This unique premise sets the series apart, offering a refreshing, low-stakes exploration of Japanese mythology in a modern setting.
The Road to Animation
The success of Kusunoki’s Garden of Gods in its light novel and manga forms has laid a strong foundation for its transition to animation. The light novel’s critical reception includes a commendable tenth-place ranking in the tankōbon category at the 2022 Next Light Novel Awards, a testament to its compelling narrative and engaging characters. Yen Press has been instrumental in bringing the series to English-speaking audiences, publishing the light novels in North America. As of May 2025, Yen Press has released the second volume in English, with the third volume expected to ship in late 2025.
The charm of Kusunoki’s Garden of Gods lies in its focus on character development and the slow, deliberate introduction of various aspects of Japanese mythology through Minato’s everyday experiences. While some reviews have noted occasional pacing issues, the series is consistently praised for its interesting and unique characters, particularly the diverse kami who come to call Minato’s residence home.
What to Expect from the Anime
With the anime set to premiere in 2026, fans can anticipate seeing Minato’s laid-back life with the gods animated with care. The teaser visual has already offered a glimpse of Minato and his wolf spirit friend, signaling an adherence to the beloved character designs by ox. The transition from static illustrations to dynamic animation will undoubtedly enhance the series’ atmospheric qualities, bringing the serene beauty of the Kusunoki garden and the whimsical personalities of its divine residents to life.
The slice-of-life genre, combined with elements of Japanese folklore, provides rich ground for an anime adaptation. Viewers can look forward to a relaxing and heartwarming experience, filled with gentle humor and the subtle wonders of the supernatural. The 2026 release year suggests a meticulous production process, allowing the creative team to fully capture the essence and intricate details of Enju’s original work. While specific details on the animation studio and key staff remain under wraps, the involvement of Kadokawa ensures that the project is in capable hands, given their extensive portfolio in anime production.
The upcoming Kusunoki’s Garden of Gods anime is poised to be a delightful addition to the fantasy-slice-of-life genre, inviting both existing fans and newcomers to discover the peaceful, divinely inhabited world of Minato Kusunoki.
