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

"We need to register our marriage," Yuta said to Noriko as she was dressing before breakfast. He'd been up and dressed himself for some time but wanted to join her for a private conversation. Also, he enjoyed looking at her. He liked her utter lack of self-consciousness while dressing. In appropriate circumstances, nobody cared or even noticed nudity. Women and men, though, generally dressed and attended to their grooming needs separately. "It's past time you were in our family register," he said with a smile.


"Whenever you'd like to do it," Noriko replied, pulling on her outer kimono. "Are you going to want a temple ceremony? Does your temple even do them?"


Yuta cocked his head thoughtfully. "Do you want one?" he asked.


"Not really. You're the Buddhist, not me, but if it's important to you, we'll have one."


Chapter 134