Japan’s New Prime Minister Revealed as a Huge Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, and Deep Purple Fan

Japan has entered a new era with the appointment of Sanae Takaichi as the country’s first female Prime Minister. Known for her strong conservative stances, Takaichi is making headlines not just for her political views, but for her deep and lifelong love of heavy metal. At 64, she’s a rare figure in global politics — a leader who openly embraces the world of distorted guitars and thunderous drums.

Before stepping into office, Takaichi’s passion for music became a talking point after her guest appearance on Babymetal’s Metal Radio, a popular Tokyo FM program hosted by the members of Babymetal: Su-metal, Moametal, and Momometal. The show, known for connecting fans of heavy music from all walks of life, featured Takaichi as one of its “secret metal” guests. Her candid conversation offered a surprising glimpse into the musical tastes of Japan’s new leader.

During the interview, Takaichi revealed that her introduction to heavy metal began in childhood. “When I was in elementary school, I started listening to Black Sabbath — Paranoid, Sabbath Bloody Sabbath, and things like that,” she said. Those early records sparked a lifelong passion for hard rock and heavy metal that would continue to shape her personal identity well into adulthood.

From School Bands to Stage Covers

As Takaichi entered middle school, her musical journey deepened with the arrival of Deep Purple’s electrifying sound. “Then, when I got to middle school, Deep Purple came out, and then Burn and ‘Smoke on the Water’ and so on, and I got into that,” she recalled. Like many young fans of the 1970s, she was captivated by the raw energy of British rock and its virtuosic guitar work.

Her love for music wasn’t just passive listening — she picked up multiple instruments, including bass and keyboards. While still in school, she was invited by what she humorously described as a “delinquent type” to join a band, playing keys in what she admitted was a “really crappy band.” Still, those early experiences gave her a taste of performance and collaboration, something that would later become part of her personal way of relieving stress.

By high school, she had expanded her repertoire even further, taking up drums and joining bands that performed covers of Western rock staples. Among the songs she played were the Rolling Stones’ “Jumpin’ Jack Flash,” UFO’s “Rock Bottom” and “Doctor Doctor,” and Rainbow’s “I Surrender.” These formative years cemented Takaichi’s place among Japan’s generation of rock-loving youth — a foundation that continues to influence her today.

Music as an Outlet for Stress

Even after stepping into one of the most demanding political roles in the world, Takaichi has not abandoned her passion for music. In her interview, she shared that playing drums remains her personal escape. “When I get irritated by my husband’s choice of words or behavior, I play the electronic drums after he’s gone to bed,” she confessed with a laugh. “‘Burn’ by Deep Purple is a staple. I play songs like this to let off steam.”

This candid admission resonated with listeners, showing a softer, more human side to a politician often described as serious and disciplined. Her love of classic rock icons like Black Sabbath and Deep Purple also connects her to a global community of fans who see heavy music as a release — not just rebellion.

It’s rare to see a head of government speak so openly about such a personal and unconventional pastime. Yet for Takaichi, music is not a distraction but a source of balance. It provides the rhythm that keeps her grounded amid the pressures of leadership — a reminder that even world leaders need their own way to turn the volume up and blow off steam.

A Prime Minister with Rock Spirit

Beyond her Western metal influences, Takaichi also revealed admiration for Japanese rock artists, especially Yoshiki, the legendary leader of X Japan. “My favorite musician is Yoshiki,” she said, acknowledging his pioneering role in shaping Japanese rock and metal culture. She also cited “Into the Arena” by Michael Schenker and Narita by Riot as among her all-time favorites.

Takaichi’s openness about her love for metal reflects Japan’s deep and long-running connection with the genre. From Loudness and X Japan to Babymetal and beyond, Japanese artists have embraced heavy metal with passion and originality — and now, that same spirit sits in the country’s highest political office.

As Japan’s first female Prime Minister, Takaichi represents a fusion of tradition and rebellion, diplomacy and distortion. Whether she’s tackling policy issues or jamming to “Smoke on the Water,” she embodies a rare mix of authority and authenticity. For metal fans across the globe, it’s a reminder that even in the halls of power, the love of loud guitars and pounding drums can unite people in ways politics never could

You can check the whole podcast episode below (it’s in Japanese though).