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

"Azuki-san? Are you busy? What are you doing?"


Renko slid open the door of Azuki's room after a light tap. Her friend was kneeling in front of a small desk. She had brush and ink out, and a sheet of paper damp with writing lay before her.


"Writing to Anko-san," Azuki said. Quickly, she set her brush aside and tided her papers while the ink dried. "I want to get it off today. We don't have much time."


"We need to start on Sensei's suit! He can't leave without that!" Renko reminded her.


Azuki checked the paper to see if it was dry. It was, so she folded it carefully and wrapped it in another paper, which she sealed and addressed. She rose gracefully, brushing her kimono skirt smooth and tidy as she did so. Azuki was happy that she was learning how to move like Tsuruko did. She might never be beautiful like Tsuruko, or, in her very different way, Renko, but she could have grace.


Chapter 96