Hiroya Tsukamoto at Smithville FUMC
10.11.2026 - Sunday morning arrived in Smithville with a gentle rain that provided much-needed moisture as we moved into fall and the days began to cool. The drizzle seemed to cast a peaceful and comforting veil over our little town, inviting us to slow down, reflect, and enjoy the quiet.
That spirit continued into the evening at Smithville First United Methodist Church, where the community gathered for a free performance by Hiroya Tsukamoto. Through his masterful fingerstyle guitar playing and beautiful world music, Hiroya offered more than a concert; in fact, he created a space for connection, reflection, and peace.
Opener Larry Pinkerton has been part of our music community for many years and has performed with us at numerous events, including several held at The Harvester. His tasteful selections of classic rock were turned into melodic versions as he strummed his electric Fender Stratocaster.
The evening’s featured artist was Hiroya Tsukamoto, a Japanese composer and masterful fingerstyle guitarist. His music blends classical guitar technique, world music, and heartfelt storytelling in a way that transcends cultural and language barriers. Playing a custom-made guitar, Hiroya created an unforgettable musical journey.
Born and raised in Kyoto, Japan, he began playing five-string banjo at age 13 and took up guitar soon afterward. After receiving a scholarship to Berklee College of Music, he moved to the United States and formed the group Interoceanic in Boston, bringing together musicians from different continents. The group released three acclaimed albums: The Other Side of the World, Confluence, and Where the River Shines. Hiroya has also released five solo albums and has performed internationally at venues including the Blue Note in New York City, the United Nations, and Japanese national television’s NHK.
He is a two-time second-place winner of the International Fingerstyle Guitar Championships, earning those honors in 2018 and 2022. His tours have taken him across the United States, from New York and Massachusetts to California, Florida, Texas, Michigan, Wisconsin, New Hampshire, and Tennessee, including a return visit to DeKalb County.
Hiroya’s performance at First United Methodist Church was truly unforgettable. Throughout the evening, he wove stories about nature, travel, childhood, and inspiration into his songs. He shared the word petrichor, the earthy scent released when rain hits the ground, and even turned that idea into a song.
He recalled inspiration for his songs and one that amazed us with “Gemini,” written in Utah, and a final song inspired by Sleeping Giant Mountain in Connecticut. He also performed a 400-year-old Okinawan folk song that brought him back to memories of visiting his grandparents as a child.
Having traveled throughout the United States performing in churches, community centers, and art houses. Hiroyo brought an extraordinary sense of peace and connection to the sanctuary. The music soared, filling the room with a beautiful rhythm and warmth.
Hiroya Tsukamoto’s music reminds us that beauty and understanding can cross every border. Smithville First United Methodist Church was proud to stand as a welcoming community and to share its sanctuary with everyone. We are grateful for our town, our church, our history, and the meaningful message this evening brought to Smithville.
The Sanctuary was magnificent, this historic church as all aglow from the candle lights and stained glass windows which gave it an ethereal vibe that set everyone at ease. Our souls were touched and our spirits lifted from Hiroya’s performance. Each window was tasteful decorated with fall color (thank you Amanda Webb Blair for your design and fresh selections while you channeled the ghost of Faye James).
Another meaningful part of the evening was learning about Hiroya’s childhood. He grew up in a small town outside Kyoto, Japan, in a valley surrounded by mountains. A visit with his father to his grandparents’ home brought back memories of his childhood and inspired a song about that feeling, the mountains, and the landscapes that shaped him.
Hiroya is a humble, spiritual, and deeply uplifting person. His music set a peaceful tone in the sanctuary on a rainy fall Sunday evening. The sanctuary was nearly full, with over 150 people in attendance, and the performance was warmly received.
Big shout out to my life long friend Martha Cripps Cooper. She and her husband, Dr. Steve Cooper went above and beyond to make this event a success. And many thanks to Larry Pinkerton for opening and warming up the building; Phillip Stafford for helping with sound; Matt Antoniak for taking photos; and Tami Studer from Café Healthy-ish for catering the green room for Hiryo. We are also grateful to Lucas Antoniak for the beautiful art work event poster.
It was a beautiful, peaceful, and deeply moving experience that left us feeling truly blessed and grateful. In challenging times, when there is so much division and unrest in the world, our country, and even our own communities, music reminds us of what we share. Music brings us together. Community brings us together. Art gives us a way to step away from the daily grind and reconnect with one another.
Smithville First United Methodist Church is proud to bring this kind of musical art to the community at no charge, where everyone is welcome. This event was not about membership or recruitment; it was about love, creativity, fellowship, and the belief that beauty should be shared for the greater good. It was about sharing art, welcoming our neighbors, and celebrating the message of unity found in world music. Everyone was invited, regardless of faith, race, nationality, whom they love, or what church they attend. The Smithville First United Methodist Church was established in 1844 on property donated by my ancestor, Giles Driver, which holds deep personal and community meaning for me. I grew up in this church, and I have always appreciated the sanctuary’s beauty and exceptional acoustics. It was a joy to see the space filled with music, art, and people from across our community. The church became an oasis and peaceful place where people could gather, listen, and simply be together. Hiroya’s music crossed cultural and language barriers, reminding us that the world is connected through rhythm, melody, and the human spirit.
That message felt especially meaningful this evening. The evening at Smithville First United Methodist Church was about love! We are sustained by our love for one another and by the love we pour into the art we feel compelled to create and share. Love for music, Love for community, and Love for the world we share. May we continue creating more spaces like this: peaceful gatherings filled with art, music, friendship, and welcoming spirit
May Peace Prevail on The Earth
Follow Hiroya Tsukamoto on Instagram here and Facebook here. Follow Smithville First United Methodist Church on Facebook here.
