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

"What's that about?" Yuta whispered to Noriko, nodding in the direction of the woods into which Renko had vanished.


Noriko shrugged. "I was probably too harsh with her. Still, whether she knows it or not, she does need to ride a horse to mix among humans of her class, and Kiku was only trying to be her friend. There was no need for Renko-san to be rude. She must learn to be guided by her elders and to use her human manners when she is human. She may be a princess, but she isn't acting like one."


Chapter 153