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Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi thrilled by Deep Purple’s visit to her office
The meeting followed a request from the band and gave Japan’s first female prime minister a brief break before its 2026 tour begins.
- On Friday, legendary British rock band Deep Purple visited Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi at her office in Tokyo, greeting the longtime superfan with enthusiasm and photos.
- A giddy Takaichi presented drummer Ian Paice with signed, Japanese-made TAMA drumsticks, telling him, "You are my god," expressing her deep admiration for the band.
- Lead singer Ian Gillan learned Takaichi bought the "Machine Head" album in grade school; she joked, "These days, when I fight with my husband I drum to 'Burn' and cast a curse on him."
- The courtesy call offered a welcome respite for the Prime Minister, who emphasized that promoting cultural content remains central to her government's growth strategy.
- Deep Purple kicks off its 2026 Japan tour on Saturday at Tokyo's Nippon Budokan, while Takaichi manages diplomatic strain with China and energy concerns tied to Middle East conflicts.
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British rock band Deep Purple meets major fan, Japan's PM Takaichi
The British rock band Deep Purple has met with Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae. She played the drums in a band while in university, and has described herself as a longtime fan of the legendary rockers.
·Tokyo, Japan
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources37
Leaning Left13Leaning Right7Center11Last UpdatedBias Distribution42% Left
Bias Distribution
- 42% of the sources lean Left
42% Left
L 42%
C 35%
R 23%
Factuality
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