2001 Named one of 2001’s “Chicagoans of the year” by Chicago Tribune
2007 Milestone Award by The Asian American Institute
2010 Chicago’s Cultural Achievement Award from the Japan America Society
2010 3Arts Artist Award from 3Arts
2014 “Living in our Culture” from the Japanese American Service Committee
2015 Jazz Heroes’ Award from the National Jazz Journalist Association
2017 Best Experimental Film for “Lights” 2017 Canada International Film Festival
2017 Illinois Secretary of State Community Service Award by Asian American Advisory Council
2017 Commendation for Promotion of Japanese Culture, Foreign Ministry in Japan
2018 First recipient of “George Award” (George Freeman) by Southport Records
2019
Community Service Award, Asian American Coalition of Chicago
2020
United States Artists Fellowship, Traditional Arts
Illinois Arts Council Artist Fellowship Award, Ethnic and Folk Arts