1. Spirited Away - Always with Me 千と千尋

Street Piano in Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan

November 22, 2024



When I was in Asahikawa, Hokkaido in December 2024, I was inspired to learn piano so that one day I could play street piano in Japan.

On Jan 9,2025, I bought a digital piano, embarking on a piano self-learning journey.

On Nov 22,2025 my little piano dream has come true, playing street piano in the public in Japan (Sendai City) for the very first time.


2. 童话

Street Piano in Fukushima City, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan

November 24, 2024



"Isn't it too old to learn piano with your hardening fingers?"

"You should take proper piano lessons from a piano teacher."

"The way you learn the piano on your own, you will never go far. The melody will be the same and you will not progress."

I was asked the above questions when I embarked on this piano self-learning journey in Jan 2025.

I even doubted myself countless times.
 
But I kept my silence.

At home behind the closed door,  I practised hard, very hard. 

Today I have my answer:

"Learning piano is to fulfil my personal dream to play street piano in Japan. I'm not learning to please anyone. I'm not learning to take exams. I'm not learning to be a professional pianist. I'm learning just to please myself, to play the songs I enjoy, to make myself happy. If I don't try, I will never know."

童话sort of tells me that I could still make my dream come true even at an old age, as long as I am willing to try, willing to put in effort, despite how the world sees me. 

童话 is the 2nd song I played in Japan. Venue is now Fukushima City instead of Sendai City. 

2 songs 2 cities so far.... 

The journey continues...


3. Canon in D

Street Piano in Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan

December 1, 2024 



It was nerve wrecking to play street piano at this crowded Nagoya Station.

It was scary with so many passersby turning their heads to look at me playing. Even a second of stares made me nervous.

My heart pumped so hard and I could feel my heart beat rising! I felt like I almost had a heart attack!

My hands and fingers were shaking from the fear of playing street piano in the public.

Taking deep breaths didn't remove my fear of public piano playing either.

Despite the fear, I knew I had to play the street piano here.  Otherwise, I might leave Nagoya City with regrets.

I can't play a perfect song. I can't play a more complex song. But at least I tried my best with my limited capability.

Now my heart is full of joy and happiness, for taking another step forward in street piano playing.

This is my 3rd song I have learned through self-learning journey this year.

Street piano in 3 cities (Sendai, Fukushima, Nagoya)

The journey continues ...


4. Jingle Bell (duet with a Japanese piano learner)

Street Piano in Ogaki, Gifu Prefecture, Japan

December 4, 2024



After I finished playing, a friendly Japanese lady came up to say she was going to play Jingle Bell. she told me she is a new piano learner. So I shouted 
, "Gambatte! " 

After she finished playing, I clapped hands loudly and gave her high five to encourage her. She was so happy. 

I made friends with her telling her I'm a new piano learner too. Then she allowed me to record both of us doing duet. She played the melody and I played the base. 

Our Jingle Bell may not be perfect, but we two old folks were brave and courageous to play in the public - even with mistakes. Haha! We both played with joy and happiness. We laughed at our mistakes too. Most importantly, we didn't care how the passersby at Ogaki train station looked at us, we just had fun our ways. 

She has taught me that it's okay to be imperfect. Bold, courageous, and accepting imperfections made us happy. A very memorable street piano experience indeed ! I'm happy soul, known a Japanese stranger through street piano today. 

Btw, she was on her way to the hospital for check ups. She stopped along the way to play the street piano. Very inspiring! Never too old to learn. 


5. Can't Help Falling in Love

Street Piano in Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture, Japan

December 5, 2024



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. 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!