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

"Irtysh likes you," Rizantona said to Otohime. "He wants to return and explore more volcanos with you, if you would be willing."


"We can do that," Otohime said to her father's fearsome consort. "I would enjoy it."


They reclined in Rizantona's cavern in Otohime's official residence off the caldera of Mt. Fuji. The newest addition to dual-natured dragonkind, little Prince Susu, nestled in a curve of his mother's sparkling brown barbed tail. His older half-sister's wider blue and green tail swished back and forth near him. From time to time, he popped out of his nest to surprise her. Otohime played along. She jerked her tail back or curved it up as though she hadn't anticipated him and smiled when he laughed. This was a favorite game among children of all species, she understood that, but those not endowed with tails had to shield their eyes or play using a toy.


"Will you go north again?" Rizantona asked.


Chapter 166