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

As Yuta's wife, it was Noriko's job to send the carters to the place where the Dragon King would pick them up. It was Yuta's role to stand around, look dignified and pay no attention. This was something he found funny and when he caught her eye, he winked and she nearly laughed herself. She had to assure the carters several times that they were being met at exactly that spot. Finally, they shook their heads, accepted payment, and went on their way.


"His majesty is getting proficient," Yuta observed. "That's a big step from dropping off a document case."


"Will he do that with us?" Noriko sounded concerned.


"I doubt it. I suspect he visited you before so he wouldn't frighten you when he appeared  ah. His majesty has arrived."


The enormous Asian dragon, whose paws were as large as a small pavilion, materialized in the open field.


Chapter 126