Deep Purple thrills Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi with a quick visit in TokyoSUPERFAN: The Japanese PM played keyboard in a Deep Purple tribute band in middle school and then switched to drums at university, she told the British rock bandReuters, TOKYOLegendary British rock band Deep Purple yesterday made Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s day with a brief visit to their high-profile superfan as they returned to the nation they first toured more than half a century ago. “You are my god,” a giddy Takaichi said in English to Deep Purple drummer Ian Paice, presenting him with a set of made-in-Japan drumsticks that she signed. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, third left, poses with Don Airey, left, Ian Paice, second left, Ian Gillan, third right, Roger Glover, second right, and Simon McBride of the British rock band Deep Purple at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tokyo yesterday. She played keyboard in a Deep Purple tribute band in middle school and then switched to drums at university, she said. The group’s courtesy call was a welcome respite for Japan’s first female prime minister, who vowed to “work, work, work” when she took office in October last year.

Source: Taipei Times April 10, 2026 22:54 UTC