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

"We stay separate from humans and others for good reasons," the Dragon King said to Yuta. "We cannot interfere with the destiny of another species. We can only do our own duty and tend our own karma so that we can attain enlightenment, and help others do the same. Because of Renko-chan, we have discovered a solid link between dragons and other species besides our own. I did not consider this with my other children. None of those affected found dual-natured beings other than themselves. I strongly believe"  Yuta's bubble quivered  "that we must build bridges, but I do not believe we can interfere. Your opinion?"


"This is not unlike our human struggle with the foreigners. Their ways are strange and their beliefs incomprehensible," Yuta replied. "We must be true to ourselves, but having discovered them, we must learn to live with them. I suggest humans and non-humans must learn to live amicably with each other, too."


Chapter 92