Claire Youmans first went to Japan in 1992 and was immediately captivated.  After years of travel and study, she continues to be charmed and amazed by a fascinating history and a culture that's both endearingly quirky and entirely unique. She is a retired lawyer who now lives in Tokyo. Her family, including her daughter and two grandsons, live in Seattle, USA.

In 2014, she started Tales of the Meiji Era with The Toki-Girl and the Sparrow-Boy's unparalleled blend of historical fantasy in the first book of the series, Coming Home.  She continues exploring the combination of history and folklore to share her love and fascination with a very different country and culture. 

Exciting adventures continue to unfold in this delightful fantastical yet historical world as social and political changes expand, technology explodes, and two very unusual children grow up.  



The Toki-Girl and the Sparrow-Boy

"Who are they?" Shota asked Azuki. The bird-children crouched at the edge of the woods in human form watching the young couple.


"How should I know?" Azuki replied. "I've never seen them before. There are eight Jizo now."


"You're right, there are," Shota said. Jizo took time to carve; when had this happened? He stood up. "Watching is silly. I am going to ask." He became a sparrow and warbled. A flock of sparrows zoomed out of the kettle affixed to the cross at the top of the church to surround them


"Cousin!" they chirped in recognition. "Welcome home! Is this your sister, the toki?" Several brave little birds landed in front of Azuki.


"My sister, Azuki," he said, introducing them all. "We just got here. What's changed?"


"Lots of things," said the oldest sparrow. "See the girl? Her name is Anko and it is her father, Yamada Eitaro, who replaced Hasegawa Genmai as Sheriff."


"What happened to Genmai?" Azuki asked.


Chapter 24