A Writer and an Artist Creating a Life

I’m an author, columnist, essayist, and editor…but first and foremost, I am a storyteller. Most of my stories are what has come to be known as creative nonfiction. I was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, but have spent the past twenty years in Japan. Most of my writing is set in these locales. People seem to respond to my work, so I’ve been able to build a career doing what I love.

Miki is my life partner and the most creative person I know. She’s Japanese, born and bred in Gifu, a web designer, a painter, and a drawer, not to mention a Jacqueline of several trades, including carpentry, masonry, landscaping, cabinetmaking, quilting, and a variety of craftworks.

Fu and Drew are our adopted cats, and, well, they complete Miki us.

On this Substack, you’ll find entertaining and engaging stories about our international, multicultural relationship, including pictures, audio, videos, and conversations about our lives and works.

We’ve set up shop here on the rustic edge of Tokyo, Japan’s most major metropolis. It’s so quiet and laidback that a car horn qualifies as disturbing the peace, and I dig that.

We have a very special book project in the works, and as subscribers to this site, you’ll be well-positioned for everything related to that.

It is our hope that our story inspires people and provides readers with a feeling that no obstacle is insurmountable. I certainly have begun to feel that way ever since I partnered up with Miki. Thank you in advance for your support of our work. We promise not to waste your time and attention!

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Even if you’re not interested in Japan, we try to tell stories that everyone can enjoy. Japan just happens to be the venue.

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Subscribe to Words by Baye / Art by Miki

I'm an author, columnist, and teacher. I write funny, heady stories about life for a non-Japanese person living in Japan. Miki is an artist, designer, and all-around renaissance woman. We live in a house we built in a quiet corner of Tokyo. Welcome!

People

I’m a writer, raised in Brooklyn, braised in Japan. Author of three books on life in Japan. I love me some lasagna, The West Wing, House, The Wire, Tonkotsu Ramen, Onsen (Hot Springs) and of course Miki (not necessarily in that order).