Baye McNeil

African-American writer and activist in Japan challenging racial stereotypes through literature and advocacy

Baye McNeil, an African-American expatriate writer based in Japan, has made a profound impact by addressing racial discrimination and fostering cross-cultural understanding. Since moving to Japan in 2004, McNeil has used his platform to challenge stereotypes through columns in The Japan Times and books like Hiroshima Negro. His work highlights the nuanced experiences of Black individuals in Asia, a perspective rarely explored in mainstream media.

McNeil co-founded Black Lives Matter Japan, adapting the movement's goals to address local issues such as systemic bias in employment and media representation. He frequently collaborates with schools and NGOs to promote diversity education, creating workshops that dismantle harmful myths about race.

Through his blog Loco in Yokohama, McNeil shares personal anecdotes about navigating cultural identity, blending humor with sharp social commentary. His relentless advocacy earned him the 2021 Fumiko Kaneko Cultural Prize for bridging Japanese and global perspectives.