Awards & Accolades
2014
Grand Marshal of Cherry Blossom Festival Parade
Grandmaster Seiichi Tanaka served as Grand Marshal of the Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival’s Grand Parade
2013
Order of the Rising Sun
Presented the Order of the Rising Sun 5th Order: Gold and Silver Rays by Emperor Akihito of Japan, in recognition of Grandmaster Seiichi Tanaka’s contributions to the fostering of US-Japan relations as well as the promotion of Japanese cultural understanding in the United States. The order was established in 1875 by Emperor Meiji of Japan and was the first national decoration awarded by the Japanese government, created on April 10, 1875 by decree of the Council of State. The badge features rays of light from the rising sun. The attachment is shaped into a chrysanthemum. The design symbolizes energy as powerful as the rising sun in parallel with the "rising sun" concept of Japan.
2007
Bunka Hall of Fame
Grandmaster Seichii Tanaka was inducted into the Bunka Hall of Fame, by Hokka Nichibei Kai, also known as JAANC (the Japanese American Association of Northern California) which memorializes Northern Californians that were important to the culture of Japan as practiced here in America.
2003
Foreign Minister of Japan
On September 25, 2003, Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs honored Grandmaster Seiichi Tanaka with its prestigious Foreign Ministers Commendation in a ceremony hosted by the Consul General of Japan in San Francisco.
The purpose of the Commendations are to pay tribute to the meritorious services of individuals and groups whose activities and efforts contribute to promoting friendly relations between Japan and other countries, and thus contributing to the peace and prosperity of Japan and the world.
Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs decided to award this prestigious Commendation domestically in Japan to eight individuals and groups, and internationally to only 26 individuals and seven groups (which includes Grandmaster Seiichi Tanaka). In receiving this highly coveted award, Grandmaster Seiichi Tanaka is recognized for his significant efforts in promoting the Japanese art of Taiko drumming.
2001
National Endowment
of the arts
In 2001, Grand Master Tanaka was named a National Heritage Fellow by the United States National Endowment for the Arts. This most highly coveted award is widely recognized as one of America’s highest honors in folk and traditional arts. “We honor these artists not only for the excellence of their work but also for their efforts to preserve our diverse cultural traditions for future generations,” said Bill Ivey, National Endowment for the Arts chair. “Through these valuable contributions, they remind us that America’s rich and varied cultural heritage is what makes us who we are as a nation.”
Grandmaster Seiichi Tanaka was one of only 13 in the nation chosen and honored for their artistic excellence, authenticity, and contributions to their field.
