We had the good fortune of connecting with Koji Steven Sakai and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Koji Steven, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I was born and raised in South Pasadena, CA. Most of the people in the “industry” aren’t from Los Angeles, so I consider myself pretty rare.

When I first wanted to be a screenwriter/producer, I remember having a talk with my mother. She told me that it would be tough since I am Japanese American/Asian American (in a time before diversity was a thing), She said I would have to work hard and never give up. Those words have always stuck with me… that I could be anything I wanted to be, I just had to work for it and keep going — even when things seemed hopeless.

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.
What sets me apart from others? I think I’m nuts. I kept writing, even when nothing was selling, and no one wanted to read my work. And I kept doing it. If that’s not the definition of crazy, I don’t know what is. 🙂

My dream when I decided to become a screenwriter was to write one book and one movie. I’m most proud that I’ve run way past that goal (I’ve written 12 features that have been produced and 2 novels).

How did I get to where I am? Hard work. I wrote, wrote, and wrote every day all the time, whenever I had a free second… even when I had to work at other jobs. I always say that I would write every day, even if I never got paid to write again (which I hope is not the case). That’s the best advice I could ever give to a screenwriter!

The biggest lesson I learned is that success is all in the eye of the beholder. If you asked me when I was first starting out that I would be where I am today, I would be over the moon. Ask me now, I’m frustrated because I’m always pushing for more!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love LA, but I LOVE the San Gabriel Valley (SGV)! I would take them to all the fun Asian spots and show them authentic Asian food and culture!

Here are some of the places I’d be sure to go to:

Huntington Gardens and Museum
Norton Simon
626 Night Market
Old Town Pasadena

Outside of SGV, we’d go to:

Venice Beach
Santa Monica
Hollywood and Highland
Little Tokyo
Universal Studios
Disneyland

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First, my mom and dad. They gave birth to me and raised me, so I would be a terrible son if I didn’t mention them. But besides them, I want to recognize Marquita Cheeks. She was really the first person — not related to me or dating me — that believed in me. That belief was the first step in my career without her, I don’t think I would be where I am in my career.

Website: https://www.kojistevensakai.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ksakai1/

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