Masaki Takahashi

Masaki Takahashi is the Poet Laureate Emeritus of Lansing, Michigan (2022–2024) and a

passionate advocate for the power of poetry to connect and inspire. As the founder and host of

the Poetry Room open mic and nonprofit, Masaki has created a dynamic space where poets of all

backgrounds can share their work and grow in their craft.

Masaki has been featured on prominent platforms such as Button Poetry, TEDx MSU, and Write

About Now. His work has appeared in literary journals like Lunch Ticket and Rigorous, and they

have collaborated with esteemed organizations including the National Park Service, Interlochen

Center for the Arts, the Michigan Council of Teachers of English, and numerous local

universities, public schools, and nonprofit organizations.

Above all, Masaki is deeply committed to education and finds great fulfillment in mentoring

students, supporting their growth both as writers and individuals.

A storyteller at heart, Masaki believes in poetry’s transformative power to heal, challenge, and

build community.