When I played this song "Can't Help Falling in Love" at a street piano in Gifu City, it was 5 degrees Celsius outside. With the rain, it felt like 2 degrees.
I was overwhelmed with emotions.
I was in a state of disbelief and unimaginable. I couldn't believe that today I actually completed my mission to play 4 songs in 4 cities I set out to do before my trip to Japan.
Thinking back, only a year ago (Dec 2024) that I was inspired to learn piano. At that time, I didn't know how to play piano.
Throughout the whole year of 2025, I have held on to my dream to play street piano in Japan during this trip. That dream has motivated me to practise daily except when I traveled
Armed with only 4 songs that I know, I brought along music sheets to Japan, telling myself I wanted to fulfill my "1 song 1 city" dream, total 4 songs 4 cities .
Moving forward 1 year later, here I'm, completing my mission today with the 4th song in Gifu City:
1. Sendai City - Spirited Away (Japanese song)
2. Fukushima City - 童话 (Chinese song)
3. Nagoya City - Canon in D (classical)
4. Gifu City - Can't Help Falling in Love (English)
And a bonus song Jingle Bell too in Ogaki City, duet too with a Japanese stranger. 😂 😂
If you were to ask me if this "4 songs 4 cities" dream would be possible a year ago, my answer would be "No Way, José . Don't be ridiculous!"
I'm glad I took the steps to learn, to practise. Little by little. One step at a time.
I'm glad I shut out all the noises of the world and listen to the inner voice from my heart.
I'm glad I didn't run away from the fear of playing in public but facing up to the challenges.
And today, I feel extremely fulfilled and happy. I have completed my "4 songs 4 cities" mission. I really can't believe I actually did it. Yay!
No more songs up my sleeves now. Haha 😂 When I go back to Malaysia in mid Dec, it's time for me to learn new songs for 2026.
"Can't Help Falling in Love" is dedicated to Japan - for inspiring me in this piano journey. Arigato gozaimasu, Nihon! 🙇
