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

Noriko left Fumie's house right after breakfast, walking briskly down the road until she was sure she was well away from watchers, traps or sentries.


"Noriko-sama?" A girl's voice hailed her. She turned to see Renko standing in a group of shrubs at the edge of the road, invisible to any watchers behind. Her fair hair was concealed by one of Azuki's scarves, and though her skin tone was pinker than normal, Noriko thought she could pass for Japanese to anyone who was not right next to her.


"Renko-san? I was going to call your father, as he asked me to, but I understand all of you are due for congratulations."


"Yes," Renko beamed. Woman and girl walked together down the road.


Chapter 145