A Divine Adaptation: Enju’s Beloved Light Novel Comes to Screen
The critically acclaimed light novel series, “Kusunoki’s Garden of Gods” (Kami no Niwatsuki Kusunoki-tei), penned by Enju and illustrated by ox, is officially set to receive a television anime adaptation in 2026. This announcement has been met with enthusiasm from fans of the series, which has garnered significant popularity for its unique blend of supernatural elements and heartwarming slice-of-life narratives. The news was accompanied by the release of a captivating teaser visual featuring the protagonist, Minato Kusunoki, alongside his wolf spirit companion, hinting at the visual style and tone of the upcoming adaptation.
The Genesis of “Kusunoki’s Garden of Gods”
The journey of “Kusunoki’s Garden of Gods” began as a web novel on the user-generated novel publishing website Shōsetsuka ni Narō in April 2021. Its captivating premise and endearing characters quickly caught the attention of readers, leading to its acquisition by ASCII Media Works. Kadokawa began publishing the light novel series under their Dengeki no Shin Bungei imprint in November 2021, featuring illustrations by ox. As of July 2025, the light novel series has released nine volumes, with the tenth volume scheduled to ship on July 17, 2025.
In addition to the light novel, a manga adaptation illustrated by Akira Anzai commenced serialization on Kadokawa’s ComicWalker manga website in November 2021. The manga currently has four compiled volumes available. The series has also found an international audience, with Yen Press releasing the light novels in English.
Unveiling the Enchanting Premise
“Kusunoki’s Garden of Gods” transports readers to a serene countryside setting where Minato Kusunoki finds himself unexpectedly tasked with managing a seemingly ordinary, yet profoundly spiritual, ancestral home. Initially believed to be infested with malevolent spirits, Minato’s remarkable, albeit unknowingly potent, ability inadvertently purifies the residence, transforming it into a welcoming haven for a myriad of unique and peculiar gods.
The narrative primarily revolves around Minato’s tranquil daily life as he coexists with these divine beings, engaging in leisurely activities such as observing cherry blossoms and relishing seasonal delicacies. The arrival of new spiritual entities, including a freewheeling kirin and a stern ho’o, further enlivens the Kusunoki household, adding layers of charm and gentle humor to the story. While Minato enjoys his peaceful existence, the series also introduces elements of the broader supernatural world, as onmyoji work to address the persistent presence of evil spirits that tend to emerge during certain times of the year. Minato’s journey also involves venturing into other kami realms, expanding the scope of the supernatural world depicted in the series.
Anticipation for the Anime Adaptation
The announcement of a TV anime for “Kusunoki’s Garden of Gods” in 2026 has generated considerable excitement, promising to bring the beloved characters and their heartwarming interactions to life on screen. While the specific animation studio, staff, and voice cast are yet to be revealed, the initial teaser visual suggests a faithful adaptation of ox’s original artwork. To commemorate the anime announcement, both the light novel illustrator ox and manga artist Akira Anzai released special celebratory illustrations, further fueling anticipation among fans. The series’ unique blend of fantasy and slice-of-life elements, coupled with its focus on the harmonious coexistence between humans and gods, positions the upcoming anime as a highly anticipated addition to the 2026 anime lineup.
