Tradition: Japanese mythology
Alternative Names: Tentoki, Tenki, Heavenly Lantern Demon
Category: Demon
The Myth
Tentoki is depicted as a red demon with two horns and three crystal eyes. It has a stern but humorous expression, with its mouth opened wide, and wears an animal hide around its waist. It carries a large lantern upon its left shoulder.
Tentoki was one of two demon figures associated with the West Golden Hall of Kōfuku-ji Temple in Nara. The demons were unusual in Buddhist art because, rather than being portrayed as beings trampled beneath the feet of guardian deities, they were depicted as independent figures entrusted with carrying lanterns that illuminate the space before the Buddha.
Tentoki was paired with Ryūtōki, another demon who carried a lantern. Together, the two served as lantern-bearing companions before the Buddha. The figures were believed to have been created as votive offerings to the principal deity of the hall.
Sources
Takahashi, Toshihiro. “天燈鬼 [てんとうき] (Tentōki).” 新版TYZ 妖怪図鑑 (New TYZ Yokai Encyclopedia). October 21, 2025. https://tyz-yokai.blog.jp/archives/1085533962.html