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

"Hurry!" the monk urged, as he sped Azuki towards the trees. "How far is the camp, Shota-kun?" Shota took to the air.


They broke the tree line, running down a narrow trail, wider than a deer track. Humans used this route.


"One and a half, maybe two cho. Watch out for the gravel!"


"Meters, Shota-kun," Yuta thought sternly, hoping to distract the children from what he suspected was peril. What he suspected fed on fear. "We're supposed to use 'meters' now. That's how many meters?"


"One hundred and nine per cho," Shota replied. "Watch that muddy bit! It's slick!"


Azuki yelped as she slid down the slope, her wooden geta sandals catching their bottom risers. She grabbed a branch and scrabbled for footing. She smiled in triumph as she gained firmer ground, then gasped.


Chapter 28