Deep Purple meets Japan PM in memorable Tokyo visit

Tokyo: Legendary British rock band Deep Purple brought a moment of excitement to Japan’s political scene with a special visit to Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in Tokyo during their 2026 tour.

The meeting took place at the Prime Minister’s Office, where Takaichi—known for her passion for rock music—welcomed the band members, including Ian Gillan and Ian Paice. The interaction quickly turned personal and nostalgic, reflecting her long-standing admiration for the group.

Takaichi, who has often described herself as a fan of hard rock and heavy metal, expressed deep admiration for the band. She revealed that she had first purchased their iconic album Machine Head during her school years. The album includes timeless hits such as Smoke on the Water and Highway Star, which helped define the band’s global success.

During the meeting, the prime minister presented Ian Paice with a set of Japanese-made drumsticks, personally signed by her. In a light-hearted moment, she called the drummer her “god,” highlighting her admiration and enthusiasm.

Takaichi also shared stories from her youth, revealing that she had once played keyboard in a tribute band dedicated to Deep Purple during her middle school years. Later, she switched to playing drums while in university, further deepening her connection to the band’s music.

Adding a touch of humor, she joked that she still turns to the band’s music during personal moments, saying she plays their song Burn on drums when arguing with her husband.

The visit provided a brief but welcome break from the demanding responsibilities of leadership. Since taking office in October, Takaichi has been dealing with multiple challenges, including economic pressures from a weakening yen, rising living costs, and complex diplomatic issues in the region.

Deep Purple’s relationship with Japan dates back decades. Their famous live album Made in Japan, recorded during their 1972 tour, remains one of the most celebrated live rock recordings in history and cemented their popularity in the country.

The band is set to begin its 2026 Japan tour with a major performance at Nippon Budokan, continuing a legacy that has connected them with Japanese audiences for over half a century.