We had the good fortune of connecting with Masaki Takahashi and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Masaki, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
I believe in myself. I don’t need anybody but myself to believe in me. It’s my dream. Even, I don’t know how far I can take this.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
In poetry, the thing I am most proud about is the workshops that I conducted with students. They are a joy and I have learned so much from them and got to share my love of poetry with them.

I got here by just trying over and over again. I did the things I liked. I shot my shots when I saw one,

I want the world to know, that I came and did my very best. I went from ESL class to city appointed city Poet Laureate.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
We would eat at Naing Mynmar and catch a show at The Robin Theatre.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The Poetry Room.

Website: www.the517poetryroom.com

Instagram: theoriginalsaki

Facebook: theoriginalsaki

Youtube: the517poetryroom

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutMichigan is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.