His father gave Tanimichi Sugita more than his religion and his name. He gave him his life's theme. The devout father was the first to translate into Japanese the works of Cardinal Newman. For the family, the meaning of the name Tanimichi combined East and West. His mother, who painted holy pictures, gave her son an artistic legacy. Tanimichi Sugita grew up to be religious, a fervent believer in making music the meeting place of East and West, and a concert pianist. He said, "I am convinced that heart speaks to heart in music, a divine communication that transcends cultural differences."
Tanimichi adopted Augustine as his second name. He regards St. Augustine, "who was also a musician," as his patron saint.
A native of Toyohashi, Tanimichi gave his first concert when he was 7. He graduated with honors from Toho Gakuen, then left Japan to study at the Juilliard School of Music in New York City. Before he went away he married Reiko Sawayanagi, granddaughter of the founder of Seijo Gakuen.
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