Japan's female Prime Minister showed extreme joy after the legendary rock band Deep Purple paid a private visit. She revealed she has been a true fan since elementary school, even forming a cover band, and joked, "When I argue with my husband, I go play the drums to the song Burn to curse him." Tags: [Japanese Prime Minister, Deep Purple, Rock Music, Personal Anecdote]
The Japanese Prime Minister's Office transformed from a formal, tense venue into a rock-friendly space when the legendary British rock band Deep Purple visited Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, Japan's first female prime minister, well known as a "superfan" of the band.Tags: [Japanese Prime Minister's Office, Deep Purple, Rock Music, Japan Politics]
The meeting was warm and cheerful. Takaichi, known as an amateur drummer and a passionate fan of hard rock and heavy metal, told the band's drummer Ian Paice in English, "You are my god," and presented him with a special gift: a Japanese-made drumstick signed by herself.Tags: [Meeting, Ian Paice, Drumstick, Gift, Rock Music]
She shared memories with lead singer Ian Gillan and the band that she bought the album Machine Head while still in elementary school and played keyboard in a cover band during junior high before switching to drums in university.Tags: [Sanae Takaichi, Ian Gillan, Deep Purple, Music Memories]
Prime Minister Takaichi also drew laughter by joking about her personal life: "Nowadays, when I argue with my husband, I go play the drums to the song Burn to curse him."Tags: [Personal Life, Joke, Burn Song, Deep Purple]
This meeting served as a break from the heavy burdens of Japan's leader, who since taking office last October has faced numerous challenges, including diplomatic tensions with China, the weakening yen, and an energy crisis caused by conflicts in the Middle East.Tags: [Japan Politics, Challenges, Diplomatic Tensions, Economy, Energy Crisis]
Through an interpreter, Takaichi said, "I have deep respect for how you have forged rock history, embraced new challenges, and created music that captivates people to this day."Tags: [Respect, Deep Purple, Music History, Rock Music]
Deep Purple has maintained a close relationship with Japan for more than 50 years, especially through their legendary 1972 live album Made in Japan, which established them as one of the most powerful live bands in the world.Tags: [Deep Purple, Japan, Made in Japan, Live Album, Music History]
For rock fans in Japan, Deep Purple is scheduled to kick off their Japan Tour 2026 on Saturday, 11 Apr 2026 GMT+7, at Nippon Budokan Stadium in Tokyo.Tags: [Deep Purple, Japan Tour, Concert, Nippon Budokan, Tokyo]
SourceTags: [Source]ReutersTags: [Reuters]APTags: [Associated Press]