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Japanese leader welcomes Deep Purple to Tokyo
Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi greeted British rock legends Deep Purple at her office in Tokyo on Friday, calling herself a lifelong devotee of the band.
A fan since childhood
Takaichi, 65, told the musicians she first fell in love with Deep Purple in primary school and later played keyboards in a tribute band. She switched to drums at university and still keeps spare sticks on hand-she admitted she often snaps them during intense performances.
"You are my god," she told drummer Ian Paice, presenting him with a pair of Japanese-made drumsticks she had signed.
Personal confessions and shared history
During the meeting, Takaichi shared a light-hearted anecdote: "These days, when I fight with my husband I drum to Burn and cast a curse on him." She also revealed she purchased the band's 1972 album Machine Head while still in grade school.
Deep Purple, formed in England in 1968, recorded the iconic live album Made in Japan in the country in 1972. The band is currently touring Japan again, a visit Takaichi called an opportunity to "thrill and excite fans" and strengthen UK-Japan cultural ties.
Band reacts to unexpected encounter
Paice described the meeting as an "added bonus" to their tour. On Instagram, the band wrote: "A lifelong fan of hard rock and heavy metal, Takaichi has often named Deep Purple as one of her favourite bands."
Political backdrop
The encounter offered a brief diversion for Takaichi, who has faced mounting challenges since taking office in October. Her tenure has been marked by strained relations with China, rising living costs, and a sluggish economy.
