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 spoke with Lady Satsuki today," Noriko told her husband. They were alone in her room, huddled warmly beneath heavy comforters. Yuta had slid open the door to the inner courtyard, so they could see the first snow fall.


"Well enough, I think," she replied. "There are gaps in my official story that I can't fill, and I think she noticed, but she managed to extract more detail from me than I had thought possible. I think she is satisfied with me, even if not with my story."


Chapter 137