The karasu-tengu is a member of the smaller and more malevolent kotengu family. They are easily distinguished from other kotengu by their distinct crow-like features and are known to taint the living through haunting them and whispering corruptive words in their ears.
"A member of the Tengu race in Japanese mythology. It is said to have a beak like that of a crow. It attempts to corrupt people by haunting them."
—Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne Compendium
Known as Karasu, he can be obtained by evolving Koppa. Karasu can evolve into Kurama by leveling up. As such, he is excluded from demon fusion but can be otherwise obtained by persuading the enemy Karasu encountered in the normal battle.
Shin Megami Tensei IMAGINE
"Legendary creatures that appear in folk tales all over Japan. Virtuous monks who train in the mountains while alive are said to transform into Karasu-Tengu when they die. Karasu-Tengu are also known as "little" Tengu, serving as henchmen for "big" Tengu. Big Tengu have long red noses, but little Tengu do not, instead appearing as hawks with a crow-like voice. Some Karasu-Tengu have extraordinary powers. There are temples in rural Japan where Karasu-Tengu are the object of worship. Some believe that Karasu-Tengu are a modified form of the Hindu defender god Garuda, who reached Japan with the spread of Buddhism."
—Shin Megami Tensei IMAGINE Compendium
Karasu-Tengu can be contracted on Ueno field and within Ichigaya Camp's bronze-level instance. They appear as enemies in higher levels of Ichigaya Camp as well as spawning alongside Tokisada in his boss room in B108's summon orb. They are among the invading forces that will appear in Shinagawa during the weekend invasion periods.
Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey
"A type of tengu. It does not have a long nose like other tengu, but instead has a sharp , hidden beak like a crow's. They are evil-natured, possessing and corrupting humans."
—Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey Compendium
Karasu Tengu appear as normal enemies in Enemy Search battles in Sector Carina. A single Karasu Tengu appears in Sector Bootes, hiring the Protagonist in an EX Mission to check upon his subordinate, Koppa Tengu in Sector Antlia. Following a small crisis of conscience for not checking upon his subordinate well enough, he decides to become a better boss.
