‘You are my god’, Japan’s PM tells British rock band Deep Purple

During a visit to Tokyo on Friday, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi met with members of the British rock band Deep Purple, expressing deep admiration for their work. She greeted drummer Ian Paice with a radiant smile, handing him a pair of drumsticks bearing her signature, while declaring,

“You are my god.”

Takaichi, a lifelong fan of hard rock, first encountered the band as a child during her primary school years. She later joined a tribute group, playing keyboard before transitioning to drums at university. Known for her energetic performances, she once carried multiple drumsticks due to a habit of breaking them. The encounter took place at her office in the capital, where she shared personal stories, including how she would drum to “Burn” her husband during disagreements.

The band’s meeting with Takaichi coincided with their tour of Japan, a country where they recorded the iconic 1972 live album Made in Japan, hailed as one of rock’s most celebrated recordings. The group expressed gratitude for the meeting, calling it an “added bonus” to their travels. Takaichi, in turn, praised their ability to “continue making rock history while embracing new challenges,” as relayed through an interpreter.

Deep Purple, formed in England in 1968, is recognized as part of the “unholy trinity” of British heavy metal, alongside Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin. Their 1971 album Machine Head features the legendary track “Smoke on the Water,” which Takaichi has frequently cited as a favorite. The band shared on Instagram that she had purchased their album back in her school days, highlighting her enduring passion.

Takaichi’s visit was seen as a refreshing moment amid her recent challenges, including diplomatic tensions with China, economic pressures, and rising costs. The cultural exchange with Deep Purple offered a brief escape, underscoring the power of music to bridge gaps between nations and generations.