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

"Elder Sister," Renko said to Otohime, "I've been wondering. These little yokai seem to like us."


"I don't know about that," Otohime replied, "But at least they don't seem to mean us any harm."


Renko had started visiting her sister and her mother. Today, Rizantona reclined with her egg wrapped protectively in her barbed tail. Otohime, a picture-perfect Asian dragon nearly as large and ancient as Rizantona, curled up near her. Renko was smaller than her sister but otherwise nearly identical. She rested near the entrance to the cavern.


"Do you think your friend Azuki-san is right?" Otohime said to Renko. "Do you think they're attracted to our father's children?" Alarmed, Renko saw Rizantona extend her claws and heard her rumble.


Chapter 109