Favorite Things: Masaki Takahashi

While Masaki Takahashi is a test specialist at a software company, he also moonlights as the host and founder of The Poetry Room Open Mic, a donation-based series at The Robin Theatre, an event he calls “a safe place for poetry.” Aside from artsy open mic nights, he also hosts poetry workshops, including a recent class with Lansing’s Refugee Development Center, which he described as “super fun because the kids were able to get loose and speak their truths.”

On top of that, Takahashi, 33, has a Media Arts and Technology degree from Michigan State University and, from Davenport University, a degree in Computer Science specializing in Biometrics. Here’s what the man with the diverse resume chose as his treasured keepsake:

My favorite thing would be my prayer beads. They are jade green and are always on my right wrist. I was born in Japan, but grew up in Longmeadow, Massachusetts, and have been in the Lansing area since I was 13. Looking back, I’ve always worn prayer beads, even as a child. But these particular beads are special because I recently went to Taiwan to see my family for the Lunar New Year and I got these ones at the Wenwu Temple.

It’s been 17 years since I last saw my mom. My son finally got to meet his grandma. It was a great trip. I got these beads to remind myself to be thankful and to pray. I will always love my family and represent my culture and heritage proudly.

I grew up Taoist. My mother was super religious. Prayer beads were always used during prayer and are a form of meditation. For a while, I stopped wearing them because I didn’t feel as connected with the need to pray or meditate. But, as you get older, you appreciate these practices and understand the need. I wear prayer beads as a symbol of connection to my culture and respect for my mother. For some people, it may be fashionable. But to me, this is a reminder of all that is important.

My mother lives in Japan but is originally from Taiwan. The recent trip to Taiwan was amazing because a lot of the family met up there during this time. It was exciting and there was surprisingly limited drama. We stayed in Nantou and did all of the touristy things, like visiting the Sky Bridge and Sun Moon Lake. Of course, the food was super dope, but the thing that stands out the most was finally feeling really close to family and I got closure on a lot of things in the past. My mom and aunt got along which was amazing, and it inspired me to try to settle my own differences with people when I got home.

My life is dope and full of blessings. I have a lot to be grateful for. I don’t want to carry more than I must.

(This was edited and condensed by Rich Tupica. If you have suggestions for Favorite Things, please email rich@lansingcitypulse.com.)