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

"I need to hurry!" Azuki cried. "I need to get this done for Anko-san! Shota-san, when is she coming?"


"You mean you didn't ask!" Renko looked up from the pencil drawing she was busy with and smiled. She liked Shota so much. She was glad nobody objected to their friendship, because she often thought he was the best friend she could have. He understood her. She wouldn't have remembered to find out the details, either. "The wedding dress is done, anyway, isn't it, Azuki-san?"


"Yes, that's ready. This is for a new dressy kimono for her formal presentation to the head of his family and she wants one more for the party after the ceremony!"


"Why not use the fabric you have on hand?" Shota wanted to know. "You have a lot of it!"


Chapter 131