Japanese voice actor Shōgo Sakata has been officially announced as the lead star, Minato Kusunoki, in the upcoming television anime adaptation of Enju’s popular light novel series, Kusunoki’s Garden of Gods (Kami no Niwatsuki Kusunoki-tei). The highly anticipated series is slated to premiere in 2026.
Shōgo Sakata Takes on the Role of Minato Kusunoki
The staff behind the Kusunoki’s Garden of Gods anime revealed on Friday that Shōgo Sakata will lend his voice to the protagonist, Minato Kusunoki. This marks a significant role for the talented actor, who has gained recognition for various characters across the anime landscape.
About Minato Kusunoki and the Series’ Premise
Minato Kusunoki finds himself in charge of a mysterious house deep in the countryside, initially believed to be overflowing with evil spirits. However, thanks to his extraordinary abilities, the residence is cleared, and in their place, a unique procession of gods is drawn to the comfort of the purified Kusunoki home. The story follows Minato as he enjoys leisurely days in the company of his spiritual neighbors, exploring the tranquil yet divinely active garden.
Kusunoki’s Garden of Gods: From Web Novel to Anime
The anime adaptation stems from the acclaimed light novel series written by Enju and illustrated by ox. The story originally began serialization on the user-generated novel publishing website Shōsetsuka ni Narō in April 2021, before being picked up by ASCII Media Works for official publication under their Dengeki no Shin Bungei imprint in November 2021.
Light Novel and Manga Success
The series has seen considerable success, with nine volumes of the light novel and four volumes of a manga adaptation, illustrated by Akira Anzai, released in Japan as of July 2025 and December 2024, respectively. Yen Press has licensed the light novels for English publication, with the third volume scheduled for release on November 11, 2025.
Premiere and Production Details
The Kusunoki’s Garden of Gods TV anime is scheduled to make its debut in 2026. While the main cast member has now been announced, further details regarding the animation studio, additional cast members, and specific production staff are anticipated to be revealed closer to the premiere date.
Shōgo Sakata’s Growing Portfolio
Shōgo Sakata, affiliated with Aoni Production, has a burgeoning career in voice acting. He is recognized for his roles as Akito Ashimine in Tsugumomo, Ranmaru Ai in Fairy Ranmaru, Aki Hayakawa in Chainsaw Man, Usato in The Wrong Way to Use Healing Magic, and Sensei in Blue Archive. His selection for the lead role in Kusunoki’s Garden of Gods further solidifies his presence in the anime industry.
