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

"These are beautiful, Azuki-san! I knew you would be the best choice! I am so happy you agreed to make my trousseau!"


Anko ran her hands over the sumptuous fabrics, feeling their softness, their texture, noticing the perfect drape and fall of the silk as she lifted it. The fabrics were arrayed all over the workroom floor. Hanako had brought tea and snacks, but nobody had touched them, captivated by the color and design of the fabrics displayed.


"The colors reflect rainbows, even though this fabric is white!"


This was Azuki's best and most special fabric, the one she wove using bits of her shed feathers in the thread. She glowed with pleasure and a hint of very unbecoming pride that she tried to suppress. Tsuruko noticed, but she felt the pride was earned, even if it could not be politely expressed. She made a tiny bow to her young friend.


Chapter 135