Hellsing321
Member
Some background information for the show since some people seemed confused since its heavily based on Japanese myth and folklore. I'll put it in spoiler tags though this is just minor background info that isn't really brought up in the show it self it is in the novel the show is based on.
Hope that clears some things up.
Normal humans don't know about the existence of Tengu or that Tanuki can shapeshift. In fact Benten is the only human in the show that knows of their existence. Tanuki are real animals native to Japan and were eaten traditionally in the past but is extremely rare now a days. Generally only in certain regions and on special occasions will you see Tanuki on the menu.
The Friday Fellows, including Benten, are just normal humans, that have family roots that go way back or are well know and respected on Kyoto. Everyone in it is given a nickname referring to a god or goddess. Benten, for example, refers to Benzaiten. The Friday fellows is basically just a social club for well respected Kyotoites that gets drunk on Fridays. No one in it, with the exception of Benten, has any idea about the supernatural stuff going on. The reason they have Tanuki Hot Pot every year is just for tradition.
The reason Benten knows about this stuff and can use magic is that she was kidnapped as a young girl by Professor Akadama and he raised her and taught her Tengu Magic. You can see this in the ED at the end of an episode
Hope that clears some things up.