Veteran voice actor Yūichirō Umehara has officially joined the cast of the upcoming TV anime adaptation of Enju’s light novel series, Kusunoki’s Garden of Gods (also known as Kami no Niwatsuki Kusunoki-tei). Umehara will lend his voice to Saiga Harima, a modern-day exorcist, for the series slated to premiere in 2026.
The announcement introduces a significant new character to the divine and spiritual world of Kusunoki’s Garden of Gods, adding to the anticipation for the fantasy slice-of-life adaptation.
Yūichirō Umehara to Portray Saiga Harima
Yūichirō Umehara, known for his distinctive voice and roles such as Goblin Slayer in Goblin Slayer, Weather Report in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stone Ocean, and Mars in Black Clover, will take on the role of Saiga Harima. Harima is characterized as a calm, honest, and diligent modern Onmyoji who hails from a family with a long history of producing such spiritual practitioners. He is noted to hold Minato Kusunoki in high regard and often relies on the power of Minato’s talismans.
A character trailer featuring Saiga Harima and his voice by Umehara has been released, providing fans with a first listen and visual of the new character.
Kusunoki’s Garden of Gods Anime Details
The Kusunoki’s Garden of Gods TV anime is an adaptation of Enju’s popular light novel series, which first began on the Shōsetsuka ni Narō website in April 2021 before being picked up by ASCII Media Works for full publication. The series has also inspired a manga adaptation.
The story revolves around Minato Kusunoki, who, after inadvertently cleansing his countryside home of terrifying evil spirits, finds his residence attracting a unique procession of benevolent and peculiar gods. He spends his days enjoying a peaceful life surrounded by these spiritual neighbors. Yen Press publishes the light novel series in English.
Previously Announced Cast and 2026 Premiere
The anime is scheduled to debut in 2026. Prior to Umehara’s announcement, several other key cast members were revealed:
- Shōgo Sakata as Minato Kusunoki
- Shinshū Fuji as Yamagami
- Minako Kotobuki as Torika
- Shinnosuke Tokudome as Seri
- Makoto Koichi as Utsugi
These recently announced characters, Torika, Seri, and Utsugi, are depicted as ten—a type of marten from Japanese folklore—who serve as attendants to the mountain god Yamagami and have a fondness for Japanese confections.
Further details about the anime, including additional cast and crew, are expected to be unveiled at the Animate Girls Festival 2025 on November 9.
