Baye McNeil
@bayemcneilauthor.bsky.social
Author, Columnist, Consultant, Expat.
Raised in Brooklyn
Braised in Japan
Raised in Brooklyn
Braised in Japan
Pinned
Baye McNeil
@bayemcneilauthor.bsky.social
· Dec 12
📢 Exciting News! My latest book, "Words by Baye, Art by Miki," will be released on 12/16! 🎉✨ This unique blend of words and art explores identity and culture. Pre-order now to be among the first to experience it! 🌟 www.amazon.com/Words-Baye-A... #NewRelease #PreOrderNow #WordsByBayeArtByMiki
Here is the article I wrote on my interview with Johnny Depp in English. Enjoy! Like. Share. All that good stuff...
bayemcneil.substack.com/p/a-one-on-o...
bayemcneil.substack.com/p/a-one-on-o...
A One-On-One Chat with Johnny Depp
Last week, I did my highest profile interview ever, and it didn't disappoint
bayemcneil.substack.com
December 7, 2025 at 9:23 AM
Here is the article I wrote on my interview with Johnny Depp in English. Enjoy! Like. Share. All that good stuff...
bayemcneil.substack.com/p/a-one-on-o...
bayemcneil.substack.com/p/a-one-on-o...
It's been 7 years since my TED Talk, but it remains a very indelible moment in my life. You know, one of those "I did that!" moments that serve as markers on the path of personal growth? One of those! If you got a few minutes to kill? Here it is. Enjoy! www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKTY...
November 5, 2025 at 1:24 PM
It's been 7 years since my TED Talk, but it remains a very indelible moment in my life. You know, one of those "I did that!" moments that serve as markers on the path of personal growth? One of those! If you got a few minutes to kill? Here it is. Enjoy! www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKTY...
@kyotojournal just gave Words by Baye, Art by Miki, an enthusiastic stamp of approval! 🙏🏾
“Hilarious, reflective, and at times revolutionary,” they said. The stories “entertain like a well-spoken friend.”
Check it out: kyotojournal.org/reviews/revi...
“Hilarious, reflective, and at times revolutionary,” they said. The stories “entertain like a well-spoken friend.”
Check it out: kyotojournal.org/reviews/revi...
November 2, 2025 at 9:38 AM
@kyotojournal just gave Words by Baye, Art by Miki, an enthusiastic stamp of approval! 🙏🏾
“Hilarious, reflective, and at times revolutionary,” they said. The stories “entertain like a well-spoken friend.”
Check it out: kyotojournal.org/reviews/revi...
“Hilarious, reflective, and at times revolutionary,” they said. The stories “entertain like a well-spoken friend.”
Check it out: kyotojournal.org/reviews/revi...
Tokyo Tower and Skytree will light up for President Trump’s visit to Japan (Oct 27–29). It’s a symbolic gesture—but what does it mean to Americans living here?
I’m writing a short piece for Toyokeizai and want to hear your thoughts.
I’m writing a short piece for Toyokeizai and want to hear your thoughts.
October 25, 2025 at 6:58 AM
Tokyo Tower and Skytree will light up for President Trump’s visit to Japan (Oct 27–29). It’s a symbolic gesture—but what does it mean to Americans living here?
I’m writing a short piece for Toyokeizai and want to hear your thoughts.
I’m writing a short piece for Toyokeizai and want to hear your thoughts.
“Perfectly fine with the extra space.” 42, Female, American, Ikebukuro, 14 years
“Their loss. Thanks for the extra breathing room.” 40+, Male, Eastern European, Kansai, 8+ years
The 4 most popular approaches to managing the "Empty Seat Phenomenon"? bayemcneil.substack.com/p/what-is-th...
“Their loss. Thanks for the extra breathing room.” 40+, Male, Eastern European, Kansai, 8+ years
The 4 most popular approaches to managing the "Empty Seat Phenomenon"? bayemcneil.substack.com/p/what-is-th...
October 4, 2025 at 8:40 AM
“Perfectly fine with the extra space.” 42, Female, American, Ikebukuro, 14 years
“Their loss. Thanks for the extra breathing room.” 40+, Male, Eastern European, Kansai, 8+ years
The 4 most popular approaches to managing the "Empty Seat Phenomenon"? bayemcneil.substack.com/p/what-is-th...
“Their loss. Thanks for the extra breathing room.” 40+, Male, Eastern European, Kansai, 8+ years
The 4 most popular approaches to managing the "Empty Seat Phenomenon"? bayemcneil.substack.com/p/what-is-th...
Back in 2008, I renamed what many called the “Gaijin Seat” to the “Empty Seat Phenomenon.” Now it’s the top story in Japan. Thank you to everyone—Japanese & non-Japanese—who shared their voices. Couldn’t have done it without you! 🙏
toyokeizai.net/articles/-/9...
toyokeizai.net/articles/-/9...
October 1, 2025 at 5:22 AM
Back in 2008, I renamed what many called the “Gaijin Seat” to the “Empty Seat Phenomenon.” Now it’s the top story in Japan. Thank you to everyone—Japanese & non-Japanese—who shared their voices. Couldn’t have done it without you! 🙏
toyokeizai.net/articles/-/9...
toyokeizai.net/articles/-/9...
My student had just watched "Get Out" but couldn’t grasp the concept of the sunken place. So I tried to explain it and wound up showing her a disturbing piece of my Sunken Place open.substack.com/pub/bayemcne...
The Sunken Place
The Sunken Place means we're marginalized. No matter how hard we scream, the system silences us.
open.substack.com
September 25, 2025 at 8:43 PM
My student had just watched "Get Out" but couldn’t grasp the concept of the sunken place. So I tried to explain it and wound up showing her a disturbing piece of my Sunken Place open.substack.com/pub/bayemcne...
Empty Seat is on Blast! 🚨
Foreigners in Japan: Ever notice every spot fills up—in trains, buses, cafés—except the one beside you?
That’s the “empty seat phenomenon.” I need your voice. Survey (quick/anon): forms.gle/vBzFTHr68peE...
Interviews? DM or email: baye@bayemcneil.com
Foreigners in Japan: Ever notice every spot fills up—in trains, buses, cafés—except the one beside you?
That’s the “empty seat phenomenon.” I need your voice. Survey (quick/anon): forms.gle/vBzFTHr68peE...
Interviews? DM or email: baye@bayemcneil.com
September 21, 2025 at 11:17 AM
Empty Seat is on Blast! 🚨
Foreigners in Japan: Ever notice every spot fills up—in trains, buses, cafés—except the one beside you?
That’s the “empty seat phenomenon.” I need your voice. Survey (quick/anon): forms.gle/vBzFTHr68peE...
Interviews? DM or email: baye@bayemcneil.com
Foreigners in Japan: Ever notice every spot fills up—in trains, buses, cafés—except the one beside you?
That’s the “empty seat phenomenon.” I need your voice. Survey (quick/anon): forms.gle/vBzFTHr68peE...
Interviews? DM or email: baye@bayemcneil.com
俺の隣は、なぜかよく空いている。
その空席が、群衆という蜂の巣に姿を変えた――。
「空席の訳」第3部。https://note.com/baye_mcneil/n/n1639b3c6c575
その空席が、群衆という蜂の巣に姿を変えた――。
「空席の訳」第3部。https://note.com/baye_mcneil/n/n1639b3c6c575
September 21, 2025 at 4:55 AM
俺の隣は、なぜかよく空いている。
その空席が、群衆という蜂の巣に姿を変えた――。
「空席の訳」第3部。https://note.com/baye_mcneil/n/n1639b3c6c575
その空席が、群衆という蜂の巣に姿を変えた――。
「空席の訳」第3部。https://note.com/baye_mcneil/n/n1639b3c6c575
10th anniversary of my first cover story in Japan featuring the fabulous Ariana Miyamoto! www.patreon.com/posts/world-...
September 18, 2025 at 8:50 AM
10th anniversary of my first cover story in Japan featuring the fabulous Ariana Miyamoto! www.patreon.com/posts/world-...
7 Masks. 7 Wins.
Five years ago today, Naomi Osaka lifted the U.S. Open trophy while carrying something far heavier.
Trayvon. Philando. Breonna. Tamir. George.
Even Japan’s Sunday shows stumbled through their names in katakana.
Much Love and Respect,
@naomiosaka
Five years ago today, Naomi Osaka lifted the U.S. Open trophy while carrying something far heavier.
Trayvon. Philando. Breonna. Tamir. George.
Even Japan’s Sunday shows stumbled through their names in katakana.
Much Love and Respect,
@naomiosaka
September 13, 2025 at 10:07 AM
7 Masks. 7 Wins.
Five years ago today, Naomi Osaka lifted the U.S. Open trophy while carrying something far heavier.
Trayvon. Philando. Breonna. Tamir. George.
Even Japan’s Sunday shows stumbled through their names in katakana.
Much Love and Respect,
@naomiosaka
Five years ago today, Naomi Osaka lifted the U.S. Open trophy while carrying something far heavier.
Trayvon. Philando. Breonna. Tamir. George.
Even Japan’s Sunday shows stumbled through their names in katakana.
Much Love and Respect,
@naomiosaka
People always ask me why I escaped from New York and ventured to Japan. The truth begins on a Brooklyn rooftop 24 years ago today, September 11, 2001.
open.substack.com/pub/bayemcne...
open.substack.com/pub/bayemcne...
The Damnedest Thing (Memories of 9/11)
People always ask me why I escaped from New York and ventured to Japan. The truth begins on a Brooklyn rooftop 24 years ago today, September 11, 2001.
open.substack.com
September 11, 2025 at 4:56 AM
People always ask me why I escaped from New York and ventured to Japan. The truth begins on a Brooklyn rooftop 24 years ago today, September 11, 2001.
open.substack.com/pub/bayemcne...
open.substack.com/pub/bayemcne...
🪑「なんで誰も座らないのか、やっとわかった。」
沈黙。視線の回避。通勤ラッシュの車内で、何かが壊れた。
#WBAM #空席の理由 #沈黙の車両 #見えない会話 #その席に座るなhttps://note.com/baye_mcneil/n/n40030a906247?sub_rt=share_pw
沈黙。視線の回避。通勤ラッシュの車内で、何かが壊れた。
#WBAM #空席の理由 #沈黙の車両 #見えない会話 #その席に座るなhttps://note.com/baye_mcneil/n/n40030a906247?sub_rt=share_pw
空席の訳 第2部 誰も座らない席が私に語ったこと｜マクニール バイエ
こちらをクリックして『空席の訳』第1部 誰も座らない理由を子どもは知らない を読む 彼らを見下したことで、束の間、私の自尊心は高まり、心が安らいだ。ちくしょう私は現実世界に生きる、完全に自己を確立した大人だ。奴らは狭量で未熟な世間知らずに過ぎない。私は彼らとは違う。彼らよりも優れているんだ！私はその優越感という波に、必要な時にいつでも乗った。私は空席に向かって微笑んだ。その空席は、私が正しいこと...
note.com
September 7, 2025 at 4:20 AM
Some of the things I wish someone had told me before I face-planted my way through life as an Expat.
open.substack.com/pub/bayemcne...
open.substack.com/pub/bayemcne...
Empty Seats, Skinny Jeans, and Other Lessons on Surviving Japan
Some of the things I wish someone had told me before I face-planted my way through life as an Expat
open.substack.com
September 2, 2025 at 2:41 PM
Some of the things I wish someone had told me before I face-planted my way through life as an Expat.
open.substack.com/pub/bayemcne...
open.substack.com/pub/bayemcne...
Tokyo Tower overlooks a Picnic in Shiba Park.
Words by Baye, Art by Miki.
Where you are is where it's at.
Full story: www.bayemcneil.com
Words by Baye, Art by Miki.
Where you are is where it's at.
Full story: www.bayemcneil.com
September 1, 2025 at 4:48 AM
Tokyo Tower overlooks a Picnic in Shiba Park.
Words by Baye, Art by Miki.
Where you are is where it's at.
Full story: www.bayemcneil.com
Words by Baye, Art by Miki.
Where you are is where it's at.
Full story: www.bayemcneil.com
Catching the sunrise and vibes on Mt. Fuji with friends.
Doesn't get any better.
Words by Baye, Art by Miki.
Where you are is where it's at.
Get it here: www.bayemcneil.com
Doesn't get any better.
Words by Baye, Art by Miki.
Where you are is where it's at.
Get it here: www.bayemcneil.com
September 1, 2025 at 3:25 AM
Catching the sunrise and vibes on Mt. Fuji with friends.
Doesn't get any better.
Words by Baye, Art by Miki.
Where you are is where it's at.
Get it here: www.bayemcneil.com
Doesn't get any better.
Words by Baye, Art by Miki.
Where you are is where it's at.
Get it here: www.bayemcneil.com
日本で出会ったんでしょ？」ってよく言われるけど…実はNYで出会いました。しかも笑えるくらい偶然。
「日本人と結婚して、日本で子育てしてる。簡単じゃなかった。」【前編】 ｜マクニール バイエ @BayeMcneil note.com/baye_mcneil/...
「日本人と結婚して、日本で子育てしてる。簡単じゃなかった。」【前編】 ｜マクニール バイエ @BayeMcneil note.com/baye_mcneil/...
August 31, 2025 at 2:21 AM
日本で出会ったんでしょ？」ってよく言われるけど…実はNYで出会いました。しかも笑えるくらい偶然。
「日本人と結婚して、日本で子育てしてる。簡単じゃなかった。」【前編】 ｜マクニール バイエ @BayeMcneil note.com/baye_mcneil/...
「日本人と結婚して、日本で子育てしてる。簡単じゃなかった。」【前編】 ｜マクニール バイエ @BayeMcneil note.com/baye_mcneil/...
「日本人と結婚して、日本で子育てしてる。簡単じゃなかった。」【前編】 ｜マクニール バイエ @BayeMcneil note.com/baye_mcneil/...
August 26, 2025 at 12:14 PM
「日本人と結婚して、日本で子育てしてる。簡単じゃなかった。」【前編】 ｜マクニール バイエ @BayeMcneil note.com/baye_mcneil/...
東京の地下鉄で、セネガル出身の紳士と出会った。
その車両にいた全員が、黒人に対する固定観念を揺さぶられる瞬間を目撃することになった。(I ran into a Senegalese gentleman on the subway in Tokyo, and everyone in the car witnessed something that would impact their stereotypes about black people forever.)
note.com/baye_mcneil/...
その車両にいた全員が、黒人に対する固定観念を揺さぶられる瞬間を目撃することになった。(I ran into a Senegalese gentleman on the subway in Tokyo, and everyone in the car witnessed something that would impact their stereotypes about black people forever.)
note.com/baye_mcneil/...
黒人はみんな家族ですか？｜マクニール バイエ
東京から横浜の自宅へ帰る途中の電車で、私が立っていたドアのすぐ前に、初めて会う兄弟分が乗り込んできた。 思わず「ガイジン・サルート」──外国人同士ならほぼ必ず交わす軽いうなずき──を送った。 彼は笑顔でそのうなずきを返してきた。 その瞬間、心の中で「アフリカの人だ」と直感した。 なぜそう思ったのか、自分でも説明できない。顔立ちや服装に特徴がなくても、黒人からは独特の空...
note.com
August 25, 2025 at 9:57 AM
東京の地下鉄で、セネガル出身の紳士と出会った。
その車両にいた全員が、黒人に対する固定観念を揺さぶられる瞬間を目撃することになった。(I ran into a Senegalese gentleman on the subway in Tokyo, and everyone in the car witnessed something that would impact their stereotypes about black people forever.)
note.com/baye_mcneil/...
その車両にいた全員が、黒人に対する固定観念を揺さぶられる瞬間を目撃することになった。(I ran into a Senegalese gentleman on the subway in Tokyo, and everyone in the car witnessed something that would impact their stereotypes about black people forever.)
note.com/baye_mcneil/...
黒人はみんな家族ですか？｜マクニール バイエ @BayeMcneil note.com/baye_mcneil/...
黒人はみんな家族ですか？｜マクニール バイエ
東京から横浜の自宅へ帰る途中の電車で、私が立っていたドアのすぐ前に、初めて会う兄弟分が乗り込んできた。 思わず「ガイジン・サルート」──外国人同士ならほぼ必ず交わす軽いうなずき──を送った。 彼は笑顔でそのうなずきを返してきた。 その瞬間、心の中で「アフリカの人だ」と直感した。 なぜそう思ったのか、自分でも説明できない。顔立ちや服装に特徴がなくても、黒人からは独特の空...
note.com
August 24, 2025 at 7:26 AM
黒人はみんな家族ですか？｜マクニール バイエ @BayeMcneil note.com/baye_mcneil/...
We Are Family - A story about finding kinship in the unlikeliest of places and in the unlikeliest of ways. open.substack.com/pub/bayemcne...
August 22, 2025 at 12:43 PM
We Are Family - A story about finding kinship in the unlikeliest of places and in the unlikeliest of ways. open.substack.com/pub/bayemcne...
日本の食品価格が外国人居住者に与える影響について、東洋経済のコラムで最新記事を書きました。ぜひご覧ください。
「日本は安い」は昔の話？ 在日外国人が語る≪値上げ≫に見る日本と母国の違い #東洋経済オンライン @Toyokeizai toyokeizai.net/articles/-/8...
「日本は安い」は昔の話？ 在日外国人が語る≪値上げ≫に見る日本と母国の違い #東洋経済オンライン @Toyokeizai toyokeizai.net/articles/-/8...
「日本は安い」は昔の話？ 在日外国人が語る≪値上げ≫に見る日本と母国の違い
日本に暮らす多くの外国人が、日々の生活を見直している。オリーブオイルは3割値上がりし、卵の価格は倍になった。鶏むね肉のような安価な食材も手に入りにくくなっているからだ。10年ぶりに日本へ戻ってきた別の…
toyokeizai.net
August 15, 2025 at 5:07 AM
日本の食品価格が外国人居住者に与える影響について、東洋経済のコラムで最新記事を書きました。ぜひご覧ください。
「日本は安い」は昔の話？ 在日外国人が語る≪値上げ≫に見る日本と母国の違い #東洋経済オンライン @Toyokeizai toyokeizai.net/articles/-/8...
「日本は安い」は昔の話？ 在日外国人が語る≪値上げ≫に見る日本と母国の違い #東洋経済オンライン @Toyokeizai toyokeizai.net/articles/-/8...
A Cursed Smile
"A Fake Smile Is Better Than No Smile...Especially For You!" I was advised early on in my tenure in Japan by a very sage long-term resident. And it was some very sound advice
open.substack.com/pub/bayemcne...
"A Fake Smile Is Better Than No Smile...Especially For You!" I was advised early on in my tenure in Japan by a very sage long-term resident. And it was some very sound advice
open.substack.com/pub/bayemcne...
August 12, 2025 at 1:50 PM
A Cursed Smile
"A Fake Smile Is Better Than No Smile...Especially For You!" I was advised early on in my tenure in Japan by a very sage long-term resident. And it was some very sound advice
open.substack.com/pub/bayemcne...
"A Fake Smile Is Better Than No Smile...Especially For You!" I was advised early on in my tenure in Japan by a very sage long-term resident. And it was some very sound advice
open.substack.com/pub/bayemcne...
One of my favorite true stories from my second book, Loco in Yokohama, is now an audiovisual experience. In "A Cursed Smile," I learn to “Kuuki wo yomu” (read the atmosphere) the way I’ve learned most things in Japan—the hard way.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAfJ...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAfJ...
A Cursed Smile - Navigating Unwritten Workplace Rules in Japan
YouTube video by Baye McNeil
www.youtube.com
August 11, 2025 at 1:01 PM
One of my favorite true stories from my second book, Loco in Yokohama, is now an audiovisual experience. In "A Cursed Smile," I learn to “Kuuki wo yomu” (read the atmosphere) the way I’ve learned most things in Japan—the hard way.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAfJ...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAfJ...
Sticker Shock? I’m still seeking residents in Japan with firsthand experiences of how pricing affects their daily lives. If you're open to sharing your name, photo, and story, DM me or email me at baye@bayemcneil.com.
Or you can fill out the survey here: forms.gle/bi1t7MYPtp4B...
Or you can fill out the survey here: forms.gle/bi1t7MYPtp4B...
July 29, 2025 at 5:53 AM
Sticker Shock? I’m still seeking residents in Japan with firsthand experiences of how pricing affects their daily lives. If you're open to sharing your name, photo, and story, DM me or email me at baye@bayemcneil.com.
Or you can fill out the survey here: forms.gle/bi1t7MYPtp4B...
Or you can fill out the survey here: forms.gle/bi1t7MYPtp4B...