As a writer, columnist, and activist, Baye McNeil writes about diversity and inclusiveness. McNeil is a columnist for The Japan Times (English) where he writes the monthly column called “Black Eye” about the African American experience living in Japan and also writes for Toyokeizai Online (Japanese) where he shares reflections on life and race, as well as profiling people of color who are reshaping Japan’s cultural landscape. He is author of two previous books: Hi! My Name is Loco and I am a Racist and Loco in Yokohama, both of which offer accounts of life as a visible minority in Japan. Today he’s going to talk about his just-released book Words By Baye, Art By Miki: Crafting a Life Together with Affection, Creativity, and Resilience.

Ep 41 Show Notes:

In this episode of the Books on Asia podcast, Amy Chavez talks with Baye McNeil talk about being a black minority in Japan, Japanese views of black people, the “African Samurai,” the arrival of Commodore Perry in 1854 (who brought a minstrel show with him who performed “black face,”), and some of the media’s portrayals of black people in both the US and Japan. He also discusses his latest book: Words By Baye, Art By Miki: Crafting a Life Together with Affection, Creativity, and Resilience.

Visit Baye on social media at the following links:

Website www.bayemcneil.com