Kakuriyo no Yadomeshi: Ayakashi Oyado ni Yomeiri Shimasu.

Kakuriyo no Yadomeshi, which translates to Afterlife Inn Cooking, began as a light novel series written by Midori Yuuma and illustrated by Laruha, first published by Kadokawa in 2015. The story follows a college student named Aoi who finds herself held hostage by an ogre in the hidden realm, leading her to work at his inn to repay her grandfather’s debt. It fits into the popular Japanese literary tradition of the ayakashi-themed fantasy, blending supernatural folklore with the soothing tropes of the culinary slice-of-life genre.

The narrative’s transition into a media franchise—including a manga adaptation serialized in B's-LOG Comic and an anime series—was driven by the warmth of its domestic setting and the intricate depiction of spirits. Laruha’s character designs played a significant role in establishing the series' aesthetic, balancing traditional kimono attire with whimsical, ethereal elements. The work has been well-received for its gentle pacing and focus on bridge-building between human and spirit cultures, becoming a staple for readers who enjoy cozy fantasy with a focus on hospitality.