Japanese PM Takaichi meets British rock band Deep Purple

The British rock group Deep Purple had the opportunity to meet a devoted admirer in Tokyo recently — none other than Japan’s prime minister, Sanae Takaichi. A lifelong fan of hard rock music, Takaichi greeted the band warmly during their visit, expressing her admiration in no uncertain terms.

“You are my god,” Takaichi told Ian Paice, the band’s drummer, while presenting him with a pair of drumsticks crafted in Japan and bearing her autograph. The prime minister’s enthusiasm for the band dates back to her childhood; she became a fan of Deep Purple while in primary school and even performed in a tribute band during her youth. Drumming remains a personal passion for her, and she humorously shared with the band how she channels her frustrations at home by playing their song “Burn.” “These days, when I fight with my husband I drum to Burn and cast a curse on him,” she revealed during their meeting in Tokyo.

This encounter took place as Deep Purple toured Japan, revisiting the country where they recorded their iconic 1972 live album *Made in Japan*, a record considered one of rock’s greatest live performances. Takaichi welcomed the band enthusiastically, celebrating their enduring influence on rock music and their spirit of embracing new challenges. Through an interpreter, she expressed her respect, saying, “I have the deepest respect for the way you continue to make rock history while embracing new challenges and creating captivating music to this day.” She also expressed hopes that their tour would invigorate fans across Japan and strengthen cultural ties between the UK and Japan.

Ian Paice described the chance to visit Japan as always enjoyable and described the prime minister’s invitation as “an added bonus.” The band shared on Instagram how Takaichi has often cited Deep Purple as one of her favorite bands, even mentioning that she bought their album *Machine Head* when she was still in school. Deep Purple, formed in England in 1968, is widely recognized as part of the “unholy trinity” of British heavy metal alongside Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin. Their most famous song, “Smoke on the Water,” comes from their 1971 *Machine Head* album.

Takaichi’s musical journey includes playing keyboard in a Deep Purple tribute band before taking up drums during university, where she became known for breaking many drumsticks in powerful performances. This meeting provided the prime minister a pleasant break amid the challenges she faces in office, including tense relations with China, inflation, and an economic slowdown since she assumed leadership in October

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