Japanese Outreach Program

 Japanese Outreach Initiative

Naoko Podhorszki
Executive Director Assistant

Naoko Podhorszki was born and raised in Fukuoka, Japan.

Naoko’s first cultural encounter came through American music and movies, an experience that sparked a lifelong interest in learning English and exploring different cultures. That curiosity eventually led her to study abroad in the United States and later work in Singapore, gaining valuable cross-cultural experiences along the way.

Having lived and worked in Japan, the U.S., and Singapore, Naoko has developed a deep appreciation for the richness of cultural diversity and the importance of mutual respect and understanding. Drawing from these global experiences, she brings a thoughtful and inclusive approach to connecting communities and sharing the beauty of Japanese culture here in Tennessee.

It is her great pleasure to share and celebrate Japan’s traditions, values, and spirit with all who wish to learn, experience, and embrace cultural exchange.

 Japanese Language & Culture Classes

Mahagi LaCure
Japanese Language instructor

Mahagi was born and raised in Toyama, Japan, a city known for the majestic Japan Alps and its exceptional seafood brought in from the Japan Sea. After graduating from Kobe Women’s College with a major in English, she apprenticed with a master weaver in Kyoto. Around that time, she met her future husband, Jon. Upon moving to the United States, Mahagi became a self-employed weaver, creating hand-dyed and handwoven wall rugs that she sold through craft galleries and fairs.

In 1991, Mahagi and her family moved to Knoxville, Tennessee, when her husband accepted a position teaching Japanese literature at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. This transition opened the door for her own teaching career. She earned an M.S. in Foreign Language Education from UTK and went on to teach Japanese for 30 years, offering courses from beginner to advanced levels.

After retiring from the university, Mahagi embraced a new challenge in 2023: designing and teaching community Japanese classes. She is grateful for the deep interest the local community shows in Japan and its culture, and she feels fortunate to continue fostering mutual understanding and respect through language learning and cultural exploration.

While her university teaching emphasized organization and engagement—qualities frequently reflected in student evaluations as “challenging, but fun”—Mahagi recognizes that adult learners bring different backgrounds, schedules, and needs. She continues to refine her approach, always seeking the right balance of encouragement and support, and improving her classes through reflection after every session.

Beyond the classroom, Mahagi is actively involved in outreach programs with the Asian Culture Center. She also coordinates Shamisen Knoxville, a group dedicated to sharing and celebrating the traditional Japanese banjo-like instrument.