Japanese PM Takaichi Meets British Rock Band Deep Purple Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, a lifelong fan of hard rock, met members of the British band Deep Purple during their tour in Japan on Friday. The encounter, which took place at her office in Tokyo, highlighted her deep admiration for the band, which she has followed since childhood. Takaichi, 65, expressed her reverence for the group, telling drummer Ian Paice, “You are my god,” while presenting him with a pair of signed Japanese-made drumsticks. The meeting occurred as the band prepared for their performance at Tokyo’s Nippon Budokan arena on Saturday. Takaichi, who played drums in a Deep Purple tribute band during her youth, shared personal anecdotes about her fandom. She revealed that she once used drumsticks to “cast a curse” on her husband during arguments, a humorous nod to her passion for the music. The prime minister, who has faced mounting political challenges since taking office in October, expressed hope that the band’s tour would “thrill and excite fans all over Japan” and foster cultural exchange between the UK and Japan. The band’s visit to Japan coincided with their return to the country for a tour commemorating the 1972 live album Made in Japan, widely regarded as one of the greatest rock albums ever recorded. Takaichi praised the band’s enduring influence, stating, “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 emphasized the significance of their work, noting that the album remains a cultural touchstone. Deep Purple, formed in England in 1968, is celebrated as one of the “unholy trinity” of British heavy metal bands, alongside Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin.#sanae_takaichi #japanese_prime_minister #deep_purple #ian_paice #nippon_budokan
