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Christian Petersen-Clausen @memostothefuture.bsky.social · 5h

Big thanks also to the local music fans, who have been sharing the word about Toshiki Soejima far and wide.

Christian Petersen-Clausen @memostothefuture.bsky.social · 5h

Bonus picture with local beer because of course I had to.

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Christian Petersen-Clausen @memostothefuture.bsky.social · 5h

Toshiki has played to sold-out crowds in Taipei, Hong Kong and Shenzhen on this tour and is now finally able to meet his fans in Chongqing and Chengdu. This and Music Lane Okinawa Festival in January are real highlights of the coming months.

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Christian Petersen-Clausen @memostothefuture.bsky.social · 5h

Yesterday we met with fans at Awakening Records on Shangxin Jie, an area that has grown into a lively assortment of vintage record, skate and clothing shops as well as lovely local bars and restaurants. Not geared at tourists, the vibe is charming and relaxed.

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Christian Petersen-Clausen @memostothefuture.bsky.social · 5h

I'm in Chongqing 重庆, my favorite city in China with
Toshiki Soejima, who is about to perform his first concert in this city tonight at VOX Livehouse.

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Christian Petersen-Clausen @memostothefuture.bsky.social · 1d

Another day, another flight.

Today I'm taking the band from Shenzhen to Chongqing. Our 737 is packed to the last seat but the flight attendants say this is nothing special; it's a popular route. Hard work.

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Christian Petersen-Clausen @memostothefuture.bsky.social · 2d

I hope this will manifest itself in ticket sales for us. We consistently see young Chinese consumers struggling, making me wonder how much of the gdp growth is confined to the SOEs and other large players. bsky.app/profile/mich...

Michael Pettis @michaelpettis.bsky.social · 2d

According to Yicai, spending this year during the Golden Week holiday was up 15% compared to last year, although at least part of this can be attributed to this year's holiday extending to 8 days rather than 7 days last year.
www.yicaiglobal.com/news/chinas-...

China’s Golden Week Holiday Spending Jumps 15% to USD114.5 Billion

www.yicaiglobal.com

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Christian Petersen-Clausen @memostothefuture.bsky.social · 2d

Meanwhile our good friend Toshiki Soejima has made it onto the side of buildings.

Coming off sold-out shows in Taipei and Hong Kong, we are now going to Shenzhen, Chongqing and Chengdu for more concerts.

It's exciting to see his popularity in China rising this rapidly.

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Christian Petersen-Clausen @memostothefuture.bsky.social · 2d

Another day, another flight.

The Shenzhen Shuttle is delayed,
as it seems to be every day.

It looks like I am breaking my own record
for flights taken in one year.

A good sign for my company, perhaps.
But a taxing way to live.

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Christian Petersen-Clausen @memostothefuture.bsky.social · 5d

Toshio Osumi, the legendary Jazz drummer from Japan, is returning to China with his Quartet. There are only two opportunities to see his renowned precision and charm in person and we expect these shows to sell out quickly, so don't wait to get your tickets.

Shanghai 11-28
Beijing 11-30

Christian Petersen-Clausen @memostothefuture.bsky.social · 5d

Another day, another flight.

Taipei Songshan airport has free massage chairs with views of the tarmac and a good lounge. Thankfully I have enough time to enjoy both. There will be quite a few flights for me in the coming days. I already know not all airports will be this nice.

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Christian Petersen-Clausen @memostothefuture.bsky.social · 5d

This means the new rule is symbolic only.

Do not expect actual change in flights offered. US airlines won't suddenly become more competitive on these routes.

Christian Petersen-Clausen @memostothefuture.bsky.social · 5d

HU729, CA981, CA817, the most likely candidates, already make the detour. CA993 goes the direct route via Russia but lands in Toronto. It would not be affected by this rule.

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Christian Petersen-Clausen @memostothefuture.bsky.social · 5d

The U.S. government states that Chinese airlines enjoy a competitive advantage in time and cost versus their U.S. peers, which are prohibited from utilizing more efficient routings via Russia since May 2022.

But there are currently almost no pax flights that would be affected.

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Christian Petersen-Clausen @memostothefuture.bsky.social · 5d

U.S. DOT is out with a tentative notice that would bar Chinese airlines from utilizing routings via Russian airspace on passenger services to the U.S. The restrictions are not applicable on all-cargo services)

DOT-OST-2025-1822

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Christian Petersen-Clausen @memostothefuture.bsky.social · 6d

After an incredible concert in Taipei the Toshiki Soejima concerts in Hong Kong (with guest appearance by Shingo Sekiguchi) are now also sold out!

A few tickets are still available for Shenzhen, Chongqing and Chengdu but they are going fast.

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Christian Petersen-Clausen @memostothefuture.bsky.social · 8d

We may need bodyguards for him soon.

Christian Petersen-Clausen @memostothefuture.bsky.social · 8d

A few years ago not even five people would show up to his first shows. Tomorrow's concert in Taipei is sold out, both shows in Hong Kong look like they will be sold out, too and he is growing rapidly in China as well.

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Christian Petersen-Clausen @memostothefuture.bsky.social · 8d

This is our first time bringing Toshiki to Taiwan and we could not be more excited about the overwhelming love he is getting here.

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Christian Petersen-Clausen @memostothefuture.bsky.social · 8d

An incredible response to Toshiki Soejima's MasterClass at Taipei Chengshih University of Science and Technology today.

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Christian Petersen-Clausen @memostothefuture.bsky.social · 9d

One reason many direct flights between China and Taiwan are so empty is that it's quite complex for Chinese passport holders to clear visa/travel permit procedures. The result is that many fly via Hong Kong.

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Christian Petersen-Clausen @memostothefuture.bsky.social · 9d

Another day, another flight.
Almost a private flight.

Turns out that with every new visa, e-channel must be renewed. First time in ages that I can't use automated gates in China. Lines at Hongqiao are short though, so no bother this morning.

Next stop Taipei.

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Christian Petersen-Clausen @memostothefuture.bsky.social · 10d

Like Hanks, he acknowledges everyone; unlike Hanks, he stands 6’7” and 240 pounds. The intimidating scale of his presence ensures no fan approaches entirely without awe.

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Christian Petersen-Clausen @memostothefuture.bsky.social · 10d

Ma Jian meanwhile exudes a Tom Hanks–like generosity toward the constant stream of mostly young male fans approaching him for selfies and light banter on the day we film our interview.

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Christian Petersen-Clausen @memostothefuture.bsky.social · 10d

His near-miss with NBA fame is heartbreaking and it makes his enduring optimism and warmth all the more remarkable. Kurt Vonnegut channeled trauma into his trademark dark, gallows humor and James Baldwin into a weary, prophetic, sometimes bitter voice.

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