A new anime has just entered the scene and it is already blooming with excitement. Kusunoki’s Garden of Gods, the beloved supernatural slice-of-life light novel written by Enju and illustrated by ox, will be adapted into a television anime, with its release planned for 2026. The announcement was accompanied by the first teaser visual, showcasing the gentle atmosphere of the series along with its protagonist Minato Kusunoki and his mystical wolf spirit companion standing under sakura blossoms.
Although the production studio, staff, and voice cast have not been revealed yet, the announcement has already sparked anticipation among fans of heartwarming fantasy stories. The visual highlights the signature blend of spiritual charm and quiet elegance that defines the source material. The anime adaptation promises to deliver the same peaceful immersion into a world where gods, spirits, and humans coexist within a sacred garden that shifts with the seasons.
The light novel has been in publication under ASCII Media Works’s Dengeki no Shin Bungei imprint since November 2021 and currently has nine volumes released in Japan. It has earned a loyal following for its calming tone, tender storytelling, and vivid seasonal imagery. A manga adaptation drawn by Akira Anzai also began serialization on Kadokawa’s ComicWalker platform in the same year and has released four volumes so far.
To celebrate the anime announcement, both ox and Akira Anzai released special commemorative illustrations. These artworks further reflect the series' essence an oasis of calm filled with divine beauty, seasonal flavors, and playful spirits that enrich the human world.
The story revolves around Minato Kusunoki, who resides in a spiritual garden inhabited by beings from Japanese mythology. As the seasons change, so do the energies around him. From the graceful kirin to the strict ho’o, the garden becomes a living space where traditional gods play and interact with mortals. Meanwhile, outside this haven, onmyoji fight tirelessly to contain waves of dark spirits, creating a delicate contrast between divine peace and worldly chaos.
What makes Kusunoki’s Garden of Gods particularly unique is its tone. Unlike many supernatural anime that focus on action or conflict, this story leans into serenity and introspection. Cherry blossoms falling while spirits sip tea and gods discuss seasonal treats it paints a world that invites viewers to slow down and breathe.
Yen Press is publishing the English edition of the light novel, making the story accessible to international readers. Their description captures the mood perfectly, calling it a narrative of quiet wonder, light humor, and deep seasonal connection. With the anime adaptation now on the way, fans around the world will soon be able to experience this peaceful yet mystical world in animated form.
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