Japan’s Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, renowned for her passion for hard rock and heavy metal, had a memorable encounter with the iconic British rock band Deep Purple in Tokyo on April 10, 2026. The meeting took place as the band returned to Japan, a country they first visited over fifty years ago, to kick off their 2026 tour.
Sanae Takaichi, who is also an amateur drummer, expressed her admiration for the band, particularly to drummer Ian Paice, by gifting him a pair of Japanese drumsticks signed by her. Takaichi, a fan of bands like Black Sabbath and Iron Maiden, humorously declared Paice as her “god” during their meeting.
During the visit, Takaichi shared anecdotes about her long-standing affinity for Deep Purple, mentioning that she purchased their album “Machine Head” during her school days. She also recounted her experience playing keyboards in a Deep Purple tribute band in her youth before transitioning to drums in college. In a light-hearted moment, she joked about playing the song “Burn” on drums during disagreements with her husband.
This meeting with Deep Purple provided a brief respite for Takaichi, who is the first woman to serve as Japan’s Prime Minister. She is currently navigating diplomatic tensions with China, economic challenges due to a weak yen and rising prices, and potential energy crises linked to Middle Eastern conflicts. Takaichi praised the band for their enduring influence in the rock music scene, acknowledging their continuous creative contributions.
Deep Purple’s connection with Japan is longstanding, highlighted by their live album “Made in Japan,” recorded during their 1972 tour, which solidified their reputation as a formidable live act. The band is set to begin their latest Japanese tour on April 11, 2026, in Tokyo.
Source:https://g1.globo.com/pop-arte/noticia/2026/04/10/encontro-deep-purple-sanae-takaichi.ghtml
