Japan’s new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi recently revealed her passion for heavy metal music. She shared details about her longtime fandom in an interview featured on TOKYO FM Podcasts.
Takaichi traced her love of metal back to her school years. She explained how she discovered iconic bands during her formative years and described how she uses music as a personal outlet to manage stress in her daily life.
“When I was in elementary school, I started listening to Black Sabbath: Paranoid, Sabbath Bloody Sabbath, and things like that,” Takaichi said. “Then, when I got to middle school, Deep Purple came out. I got into songs like Burn and Smoke On The Water.”
The Prime Minister also shared an intimate detail about how she channels her emotions through music at home. “When I get irritated by my husband’s choice of words or behaviour, I play the electronic drums after he’s gone to bed,” she explained. “Burn by Deep Purple is a staple. I play songs like this to let off steam.”
Takaichi’s candid remarks about her musical interests come at a significant moment in her career. Wikipedia reports that Takaichi has become Japan’s first female Prime Minister, marking a historic milestone in the country’s political history. She rose to this position after winning the Liberal Democratic Party’s (LDP) leadership election in October 2025. She defeated Shinjirō Koizumi in the runoff.
Beyond her groundbreaking political achievements, Takaichi’s passion for heavy metal music sets her apart from typical political figures. Bandwagon Asia notes that she is not merely a casual listener but a veteran heavy metal drummer. She uses music as a way to unwind from the pressures of leadership. Her musical interests extend beyond Black Sabbath and Deep Purple to include other metal legends like Iron Maiden.
Her public expression of her musical interests has garnered attention both domestically and internationally. Inkl reported that Takaichi appeared on Babymetal’s podcast, where she discussed her fondness for heavy metal legends. This further cemented her status as a notable figure in both Japanese politics and the metal music scene.
Takaichi’s multifaceted personality combines political leadership with a genuine passion for heavy metal music. Her willingness to openly discuss her interests in classic rock and metal bands demonstrates a relatability that resonates with music fans worldwide. This marks a new era in Japanese politics where personal passions are celebrated alongside professional achievements.
