Synopsis

Deep in the countryside, Minato Kusunoki is left in charge of a terrifying house overflowing with evil spirits—or at least it was, until his extraordinary ability cleared them all out! Instead, a procession of unique and peculiar gods is drawn to the comfort of the purified Kusunoki residence, and Minato spends his days relaxing in the company of his spiritual neighbors. What else lies in store for Minato as he lives peacefully surrounded by gods? (Source: Yen Press)

A Spirit’s Piece of Relaxation!

Written by Enju and illustrated by Ox, Kusunoki’s Garden of Gods is a new light novel title from Yen Press that seeks to show that the supernatural might be closer than you think. Following Minato Kusunoki, the story has him delving deep into a world he never knew existed when his house-sitting job ends up being a refuge for local spirits.

Neither isekai nor medieval fantasy, the series gets off to a good start by setting itself apart from a crowded field. Set in modern-day Japan, it’s primarily a slice-of-life series that slowly introduces different aspects of Japanese mythology to both the protagonist and its readers. The main plot of the volumes revolves around Minato’s daily life as he adapts to becoming a carer for varying species of Kami (Japanese spirits) as they decide to call the residence he’s house-sitting home.

Without a strong focus on action or adventure, this low-stakes series with interest in the everyday finds its substance through character building. Of the many characters to be introduced throughout the volume, the Kami that come to call Minato’s residence home are a particular highlight. Each of them has a unique, colourful character that adds to the vibrance of the world the author is creating. Moreover, creating these characteristics shows a certain level of inventiveness; the sweets-loving fox spirit Yamagami and the human-hating Kirin deer spirit with an overactive imagination are some of the best examples.

The only issue that arises from these sections often comes at the expense of the Japanese mythology. Likely less of a problem for the originally intended Japanese audience, the introduction to the land of spirits and yokai is heavy during the opening chapters of the novel, which can be confusing, especially if this is your first look at the setting.

Alongside Minato’s adventures in house-sitting, the first volume also includes a side story investigating onmyoji, a group that seeks to exorcise dark spirits. Chief among this group is Saiga, the novel’s window into this world. While these segments are more action-heavy, the side story’s best moments come from the few times Saiga visits Minato’s home. Unlike Minato, Saiga is well aware of the power Kami holds, and during his visits, we’re given a small insight into how someone should treat these creatures, with reverence and fear in equal measure.

Overall, Kusunoki’s Garden of Gods’s first instalment makes for a strong statement of intent. A reprieve from usual isekai and medieval fantasy, this series is a slice-of-life that features interesting and unique characters as well as a host of intriguing side stories.

I Give Kusunoki’s Garden of Gods Volume 1: 8/10