Does anyone know about these myths? I know they had those huge noses, and lived up high in the mountains, does anyone think these beings could have been real? I also know, they used to teach the japanese how to fight, and how a true swordman works.

not sure if it's true. there is a tengu character in DOA. hmm, it probably started from a guy who had a huge nose and was a master of martial arts that lived in the mountains, and it was blown outta proportion. just a guess, never heard of it being true. Also, I thought tengu had wings?

ok here is what i found on Tengu....

Tengu is a class of high-flying demons that inhabit cedar and pine trees in mountains of Japan.

There are two types of Tengu: the higher class wears red robes and has a human form and a red face. It holds a fam of feathers. The inferior class has wings and sharp claws. they wear black hats and clothes made of leaves. They travel in flocks and all have elongated beaklike noses. They are spirits of the vengeful and arrogant dead. It seems they like to steal small children and play tricks. they also cause trouble to woodcutters in Japan because the Tengu own all of the trees.

Hope this helps.

Source: A Field guide to demons, fairies, fallen angels, and other subversive spirits, by Carol K Mack + Dinah Mack

no idea if they exist as i am not very familiar with lore from japan, but anything is possible. If anyone had any pictures or first hand sightings that would be helpful. all i have is the myth the book has which is not very useful.

it kinda makes sense that they have huge noses if they live in the mountains, since the air is very thin the higher you get.

It. Is. Fiction.

Yeah high probably, but as with so many myths, there might be some events or creatures/animals wich it is based on !!

これらは何であるか。??? (what the heck are these?) Hehe, no, I really don't speak japanese, but I can write a bit if I have this one guide paper. They have big noses? hahahaha!

Well, like any myth, fictional or fact, we may never know. Sounds like a fictional myth and supporting my words, I couldn't find one thing based on research on this "Tengu Oshi" myth.

found your jap demon thing i read a booka bout these monkeys and when you described them i knew right away take a look
http://www.cmxs.com/animals/images/proboscis-monkey.gif
http://library.thinkquest.org/19689/media/...s/proboscis.jpg
http://www.asiagalleries.de/Malaysia/Saraw...is%20monkey.jpg

Those are....pretty....ugly...creatures!