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

"Shota-san," Yuta called. School was just out and the boy stopped his breakneck run up the steep path from the school to their home. "I have a letter for your Aunt. Will you please take it to her?"


"I asked you," Yuta said firmly. "Your sister is busy at the moment. You were going home anyway, to change before you went to the harbor."


Shota approached slowly, extending his hands politely to take the letter.


"Most importantly," Yuta continued sternly, "I asked you. Nothing else matters. You do not argue with your superiors. What would Minoru-sencho think?"


"Yes, Uncle." Shota tucked the letter into the front of his kimono. Captain Minoru would never let Shota argue with him. That was true. Shota might be allowed to respectfully disagree, and Minoru might even let him have his say, but he would absolutely not tolerate dissention. Shota had to admit his Uncle was right.


"After I deliver the letter, may I go to the harbor?"


Chapter 157