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

"Renko-san?" Noriko whispered into her Wishing Rock shortly after she awoke.


"Noriko-sama! I was going to call you in a minute! We showed Azuki-san her surprise last night. She is thrilled with it. You'll like it, too."


"I know I will," Noriko said with a smile. "My husband told me about it. It works?"


"Beautifully! I'll stay with it a few days when Azuki-san comes home to make sure I understand it when it's running, but your days as a peddler are over!"


"That will be so useful for Azuki-san! May I ask you a favor?"


"Oh, yes, any time. Do you want to go somewhere?"


"Yes, I'll be happy to take you. How soon do you want to go?"


"In an hour? After breakfast? Is that all right with you?"


"I am at your disposal, Noriko-sama," Renko said formally, then switched back to effervescent. "Remember, I can make time if I need to. But nobody will miss me if I'm gone an hour or two, anyway. Shall I come to you? Or somewhere else?"


Chapter 147