Baye McNeil
@bayemcneilauthor.bsky.social
Author, Columnist, Consultant, Expat.
Raised in Brooklyn
Braised in Japan
Raised in Brooklyn
Braised in Japan
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...
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
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/...
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...
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...
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...
Once Upon a Time in Japan Part 2: Vox Eterni... (Voice of the
I asked foreign residents across Japan how Sanseito’s win landed—and what they see coming.
They didn’t hold back.
📰 bayemcneil.substack.com/p/once-upon-...
I asked foreign residents across Japan how Sanseito’s win landed—and what they see coming.
They didn’t hold back.
📰 bayemcneil.substack.com/p/once-upon-...
July 27, 2025 at 8:24 AM
Once Upon a Time in Japan Part 2: Vox Eterni... (Voice of the
I asked foreign residents across Japan how Sanseito’s win landed—and what they see coming.
They didn’t hold back.
📰 bayemcneil.substack.com/p/once-upon-...
I asked foreign residents across Japan how Sanseito’s win landed—and what they see coming.
They didn’t hold back.
📰 bayemcneil.substack.com/p/once-upon-...
🎉 Today’s my birthday—and life just handed me a pretty dope gift.
Just got word that my latest book (Words by Baye, Art by Miki) will be featured in the upcoming Kyoto Journal, Issue 109!!: www.bayemcneil.com/category/all...
substack.com/@bayemcneil/...
Just got word that my latest book (Words by Baye, Art by Miki) will be featured in the upcoming Kyoto Journal, Issue 109!!: www.bayemcneil.com/category/all...
substack.com/@bayemcneil/...
June 27, 2025 at 5:43 AM
🎉 Today’s my birthday—and life just handed me a pretty dope gift.
Just got word that my latest book (Words by Baye, Art by Miki) will be featured in the upcoming Kyoto Journal, Issue 109!!: www.bayemcneil.com/category/all...
substack.com/@bayemcneil/...
Just got word that my latest book (Words by Baye, Art by Miki) will be featured in the upcoming Kyoto Journal, Issue 109!!: www.bayemcneil.com/category/all...
substack.com/@bayemcneil/...
Still Here, Still Writing, Still Watching
Celebrating 11 years of Black Eye, it continues to shine a fearless light on race, culture, and identity in Japan. From Brooklyn to Tokyo, a journey of activism, sharp insight, and unapologetic truth-telling. www.bayemcneil.com/post/still-h...
Celebrating 11 years of Black Eye, it continues to shine a fearless light on race, culture, and identity in Japan. From Brooklyn to Tokyo, a journey of activism, sharp insight, and unapologetic truth-telling. www.bayemcneil.com/post/still-h...
June 21, 2025 at 11:26 AM
Still Here, Still Writing, Still Watching
Celebrating 11 years of Black Eye, it continues to shine a fearless light on race, culture, and identity in Japan. From Brooklyn to Tokyo, a journey of activism, sharp insight, and unapologetic truth-telling. www.bayemcneil.com/post/still-h...
Celebrating 11 years of Black Eye, it continues to shine a fearless light on race, culture, and identity in Japan. From Brooklyn to Tokyo, a journey of activism, sharp insight, and unapologetic truth-telling. www.bayemcneil.com/post/still-h...
“ガイジン・ジャパン”の旅へようこそ！この完全に真実の物語をぜひ読んで、いいね＆シェアで広めてください！- #ガイジンジャパン #異文化体験 #日本での生活 #国際結婚 #愛の巣 #WordsByBayeArtByMiki #多文化生活 #愛と創造性 #夢を追い続ける
note.com/baye_mcneil/...
note.com/baye_mcneil/...
June 18, 2025 at 9:38 PM
“ガイジン・ジャパン”の旅へようこそ！この完全に真実の物語をぜひ読んで、いいね＆シェアで広めてください！- #ガイジンジャパン #異文化体験 #日本での生活 #国際結婚 #愛の巣 #WordsByBayeArtByMiki #多文化生活 #愛と創造性 #夢を追い続ける
note.com/baye_mcneil/...
note.com/baye_mcneil/...
セミ vs. アメリカ人—爆笑必至の壮絶バトル！」
夏の夜、静寂を打ち破るセミの襲撃！マンケーブに潜む一匹の虫が、男の誇りを打ち砕く！？壮絶な戦いの末、生き残ったのは果たして…？これはただの害虫駆除ではない。これは 運命の対決 だ！
🔥 笑いと恐怖の狭間へ、ようこそ。 🔥https://note.com/baye_mcneil/n/n6bd1c981ab96
夏の夜、静寂を打ち破るセミの襲撃！マンケーブに潜む一匹の虫が、男の誇りを打ち砕く！？壮絶な戦いの末、生き残ったのは果たして…？これはただの害虫駆除ではない。これは 運命の対決 だ！
🔥 笑いと恐怖の狭間へ、ようこそ。 🔥https://note.com/baye_mcneil/n/n6bd1c981ab96
June 15, 2025 at 12:42 PM
セミ vs. アメリカ人—爆笑必至の壮絶バトル！」
夏の夜、静寂を打ち破るセミの襲撃！マンケーブに潜む一匹の虫が、男の誇りを打ち砕く！？壮絶な戦いの末、生き残ったのは果たして…？これはただの害虫駆除ではない。これは 運命の対決 だ！
🔥 笑いと恐怖の狭間へ、ようこそ。 🔥https://note.com/baye_mcneil/n/n6bd1c981ab96
夏の夜、静寂を打ち破るセミの襲撃！マンケーブに潜む一匹の虫が、男の誇りを打ち砕く！？壮絶な戦いの末、生き残ったのは果たして…？これはただの害虫駆除ではない。これは 運命の対決 だ！
🔥 笑いと恐怖の狭間へ、ようこそ。 🔥https://note.com/baye_mcneil/n/n6bd1c981ab96
「#Part4 公開！日本での生活に挑む主人公が、異文化の中で成長し、愛と共に新しい道を切り開いていく物語。前向きな変化を感じる瞬間が詰まっています。ぜひご覧ください！」
note.com/baye_mcneil/...
note.com/baye_mcneil/...
May 11, 2025 at 12:44 PM
「#Part4 公開！日本での生活に挑む主人公が、異文化の中で成長し、愛と共に新しい道を切り開いていく物語。前向きな変化を感じる瞬間が詰まっています。ぜひご覧ください！」
note.com/baye_mcneil/...
note.com/baye_mcneil/...
Golden Week Book Sale! 🌟
For a limited time, get Hi! My Name is Loco and I am a Racist for only ¥2500 (plus shipping) until Wednesday! Grab yours at www.bayemcneil.com.
Let’s challenge the way we see the world together.
#GoldenWeek #BookSale #Memoir #SocialJustice #LimitedOffer
For a limited time, get Hi! My Name is Loco and I am a Racist for only ¥2500 (plus shipping) until Wednesday! Grab yours at www.bayemcneil.com.
Let’s challenge the way we see the world together.
#GoldenWeek #BookSale #Memoir #SocialJustice #LimitedOffer
May 4, 2025 at 5:02 AM
Golden Week Book Sale! 🌟
For a limited time, get Hi! My Name is Loco and I am a Racist for only ¥2500 (plus shipping) until Wednesday! Grab yours at www.bayemcneil.com.
Let’s challenge the way we see the world together.
#GoldenWeek #BookSale #Memoir #SocialJustice #LimitedOffer
For a limited time, get Hi! My Name is Loco and I am a Racist for only ¥2500 (plus shipping) until Wednesday! Grab yours at www.bayemcneil.com.
Let’s challenge the way we see the world together.
#GoldenWeek #BookSale #Memoir #SocialJustice #LimitedOffer
送別会で俺の名前が呼ばれた。でも、俺の手には何もなかった @BayeMcneil #note note.com/baye_mcneil/...
March 26, 2025 at 5:23 AM
送別会で俺の名前が呼ばれた。でも、俺の手には何もなかった @BayeMcneil #note note.com/baye_mcneil/...
After 9 years at the same school, I was ready to walk away quietly. No grand send-off, no flowers, no ceremony planned. But then—the unexpected happened.
Read this excerpt from Words by Baye, Art by Miki about the quiet power of human connection. wix.to/V01RpnX
#NewBeginnings #LifeChanges #BlogPost
Read this excerpt from Words by Baye, Art by Miki about the quiet power of human connection. wix.to/V01RpnX
#NewBeginnings #LifeChanges #BlogPost
March 25, 2025 at 1:11 PM
After 9 years at the same school, I was ready to walk away quietly. No grand send-off, no flowers, no ceremony planned. But then—the unexpected happened.
Read this excerpt from Words by Baye, Art by Miki about the quiet power of human connection. wix.to/V01RpnX
#NewBeginnings #LifeChanges #BlogPost
Read this excerpt from Words by Baye, Art by Miki about the quiet power of human connection. wix.to/V01RpnX
#NewBeginnings #LifeChanges #BlogPost