Kusunoki's Garden of Gods Light Novel Series Gets TV Anime in 2026

Kadokawa, the company behind the project, made the announcement today. To celebrate, they released a special picture showing Minato Kusunoki and his wolf spirit friend. This picture gives fans a first look at what the anime might look like.

In addition to the teaser visual, two talented artists, ox and Akira Anzai, created special illustrations to mark the occasion. ox is the illustrator for the original light novel, while Akira Anzai works on the manga version. Their artwork offers different perspectives on the characters and the world of Kusunoki’s Garden of Gods.

What is Kusunoki’s Garden of Gods About?

The story began as a web novel on the “Shosetsuka ni Naro” website in 2021. It quickly gained popularity, leading ASCII Media Works to publish it as a full light novel series later that year. A manga adaptation followed, further expanding the series’ reach.

The story follows Minato Kusunoki and his life in a garden inhabited by gods. The arrival of new divine beings, like the kirin and the ho’o, brings even more life and excitement to the Kusunoki household. The seasons change at the whim of the Yamagami, and Minato spends his days enjoying the beauty of nature and the company of his unusual housemates.

As Minato explores the garden and the realms of the gods, he encounters new beings and faces various challenges. Meanwhile, the onmyoji, or exorcists, are constantly battling the evil spirits that plague the land. The story blends elements of Japanese mythology, slice-of-life, and action, creating a unique and engaging experience for readers.

Where Can You Read the Light Novels and Manga?

Currently, there are nine volumes of the light novel and four volumes of the manga available in Japan. For English-speaking fans, Yen Press is publishing the series. They released the third volume on November 11, 2025, bringing the story to a wider audience.

Yen Press describes the series as a heartwarming tale of divine beings and everyday life: “With the arrival of the freewheeling kirin and the stern ho’o, the Kusunoki household is more lively and divine than ever. The garden of gods changes to spring at the whim of the Yamagami, and Minato and the other residents spend their leisurely days watching the cherry blossoms and savoring seasonal delicacies. New beings wander into the garden, and Minato finds his way into other kami realms, proving that springtime truly is the season of new beginnings. Meanwhile, however, the onmyoji find themselves run ragged exterminating the huge number of evil spirits that always seem to rear their heads at this time of year…”

What to Expect from the Anime Adaptation

While details about the anime adaptation are still scarce, fans can expect a faithful adaptation of the light novel series. The teaser visual suggests that the anime will capture the beautiful art style and the charming characters of the original story. The anime will likely explore the themes of family, friendship, and the connection between humans and gods.

The anime adaptation of Kusunoki’s Garden of Gods presents a significant opportunity to introduce the series to a broader audience. The visual medium of anime can effectively showcase the vibrant colors, intricate character designs, and dynamic action sequences that are integral to the story’s appeal. Furthermore, the anime’s soundtrack and voice acting will enhance the emotional impact of the narrative, creating a more immersive experience for viewers.

The production team behind the anime will play a crucial role in determining its success. Fans are eagerly anticipating the announcement of the director, scriptwriter, character designer, and animation studio. A talented and experienced team can ensure that the anime stays true to the spirit of the original light novel while also adding its own unique flair.

The anime adaptation may also explore aspects of the story that were not fully developed in the light novels or manga. This could include expanding on the backstories of certain characters, delving deeper into the mythology of the world, or introducing new plotlines that complement the existing narrative. Such additions could enhance the overall viewing experience and provide longtime fans with fresh content to enjoy.

The release of the anime is expected to have a positive impact on the popularity of the light novel and manga series. As more people become familiar with the world of Kusunoki’s Garden of Gods through the anime, they may be inspired to read the original source material and explore the story in greater depth. This could lead to increased sales of the light novels and manga, as well as a greater demand for merchandise and other related products.

The anime adaptation of Kusunoki’s Garden of Gods is poised to be a major event in the world of Japanese animation. With its charming characters, captivating story, and stunning visuals, the anime has the potential to attract a wide audience and become a beloved classic. Fans around the world are eagerly awaiting its release in 2026 and are excited to see the magical world of Minato Kusunoki and his divine companions come to life on screen.

In conclusion, the upcoming anime adaptation of “Kusunoki’s Garden of Gods” is a highly anticipated event for fans of the light novel series. With its blend of Japanese mythology, slice-of-life elements, and engaging characters, the anime promises to be a delightful and captivating experience. As we approach the release date in 2026, anticipation continues to build, and fans eagerly await the opportunity to immerse themselves in the enchanting world of Minato Kusunoki and his divine companions.

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