Awards

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