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

"Can you be ready to leave tomorrow, Sensei?" The deep voice of the Dragon King echoed through Yuta's Wishing Rock. Yuta was alone in his room, dressed now in his usual clothes. He sat at his desk, making a list. Visits to temples, visits to the tailor's shop where the fabric had come from, visits to the Ministry of Rites and whatever offices now controlled the ownership of land, attending the conference events and just exploring the city  he was getting excited.


As a mendicant monk, he'd crisscrossed the country going from temple to temple, town to town, begging for his sustenance by merely standing with his begging bowl extended while he recited sutras for the benefit of those who gave to him. His status and poverty limited him, but he always enjoyed new experiences and new adventures.


Chapter 101