Japan Has Been Brainwashed Says Boris

While experimental rock outfit Boris do have a fanbase in their homeland of Japan, the three-piece have always had a bigger following abroad.

In a recent interview, drummer Atsuo put this down to the conformist nature of the country.

“It's like they've all been brainwashed,” he expands resignedly. “Don't have ideologies,” or something like that. I think Japan is full of complications. It's really twisted; beyond twisted. Like the music scene and the music business, the structure and atmosphere is completely different to any other country. I think it's a distinctive country; very distinctive.”

Atsuo sentiments are also highlighted through his decision to become a vegan, something that again puts the drummer in a minority crowd in his home nation.

“There are many vegans amongst musicians, and when we collaborate together, I just thought I'd make a gesture to get rid of any walls between us,” he illustrates. “It's something I started for the music.  And now, you know, of course I like animals too.” These days he's often made to eat alone or at home. “I can't really go out to a restaurant in a group of just anyone in Japan. In both American and Australia, it's very possible to have people of differing values or ideologies sitting around one table and eating together. But in Japan, the atmosphere is that unless you share the values, you can't join the table.”

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