"Kusunoki's Garden of Gods" Anime Arrives 2026
"Kusunoki's Garden of Gods" Anime Adaptation Officially Announced for 2026
Kadokawa has officially confirmed that the beloved light novel series, "Kusunoki's Garden of Gods" (also known as Kami no Niwatsuki Kusunoki-tei), is being adapted into an anime. This popular series was originally written by Enju and features illustrations by ox.
Alongside this exciting announcement, Kadokawa released a teaser visual, offering fans a first glimpse of what's to come. The visual prominently features the main character, Minato Kusunoki, accompanied by his faithful wolf spirit.
The upcoming anime adaptation is expected to beautifully translate the unique and peaceful world that Enju crafted in the original novels. Viewers can look forward to experiencing a narrative where everyday tranquility seamlessly blends with divine elements.
To mark this significant occasion, both ox, the light novel illustrator, and Akira Anzai, the artist behind the manga adaptation of the series, shared special illustrations.
The Story: A Refuge for Gods Amidst Rural Calm
"Kusunoki's Garden of Gods" centers around Minato Kusunoki, a young man who finds himself tasked with looking after a remote countryside house. Unbeknownst to him, he possesses an extraordinary natural ability: his handwriting can exorcise evil spirits.
Initially, the house is said to be infested with malevolent spirits, but Minato, completely unaware of his power, accidentally purifies it. This unexpected cleansing attracts a peculiar assortment of gods (kami) and other spiritual beings to the now-peaceful Kusunoki residence.
The story then follows Minato's laid-back daily life as he coexists with these divine neighbors. It's a slice-of-life fantasy that focuses on the gentle interactions between Minato and the gods, who are drawn to the comfort and purity of his home. These gods often have unique preferences, such as a mountain god who loves sweets or a turtle god who enjoys sake, leading to humorous and heartwarming situations as Minato tries to cater to their needs.
The Series Development: From Web Novel to Manga and Now Anime
The original story began its journey as a web novel in April 2021 on the Shōsetsuka ni Narō ("Let's Be Novelists") platform before expanding its reach to Kadokawa’s Kakuyomu site in December of that same year. The series expanded with a manga adaptation led by Akira Anzai, which launched on ComicWalker in November 2021 and has been compiled into four volumes to date. Yen Press has acquired the rights for its English publication, releasing the third volume this year and promising more installments in the future. The highly anticipated tenth volume is scheduled for release on July 17, 2025.
What to Expect from the Anime: Tone, Inspirations, and Expectations
Although details about the animation studio or the creative team behind the anime have not yet been announced, the teaser visual and illustrations suggest a faithful adaptation to the peaceful and lush aesthetic of the original series. A focus is expected on the relationships between characters and a relaxing atmosphere, similar to works such as "Spirited Away" or "Natsume’s Book of Friends." Fans can anticipate an experience that prioritizes character development, gentle mystery, and the exploration of a world where the ordinary and the supernatural blend seamlessly. With its release scheduled for 2026, followers can expect more announcements, trailers, and cast listings that will bring to life the story of Minato and his peculiar home full of gods.
