Trump ready to rock with heavy metal drummer tapped as Japan’s first female prime minister
Japan’s incoming prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, used to play drums in a heavy metal band, and counts herself a fan of Black Sabbath. Kyodo
Japan’s incoming prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is not only making history as the country’s first woman to lead—but she’s also bringing a dose of rock-and-roll energy to the world stage. The 64-year-old conservative leader, known for her love of heavy metal and her tough stance on China, is already earning praise from President Donald Trump, who called her recent rise “tremendous news.”
Takaichi secured leadership of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party and is working to build a governing coalition before the Japanese Diet convenes on October 21. A former drummer in a heavy metal band during her days at Kobe University, she’s known for rocking out to bands like Black Sabbath and Iron Maiden while developing a passion for cars and motorcycles. Her colorful past—and her unflinching political style—have set her apart in Japan’s traditionally reserved political culture.
“She’s going to get along very well with President Trump,” said former U.S. ambassador to Japan Sen. Bill Hagerty. “There’s never been a Japanese Prime Minister that didn’t, but I think she’ll be especially strong.”
Takaichi has modeled herself after Britain’s Margaret Thatcher and once interned for former Colorado congresswoman Pat Schroeder while studying in the United States in the late 1980s. A protégé of the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, she shares his vision for a stronger Japan—one that invests in national defense and stands firm against Beijing’s growing influence.
Takaichi has occasionally drawn criticism for her visits to the Yasukuni Shrine, which honors Japan’s war dead but is controversial in China and South Korea. Still, her alignment with Trump’s “peace through strength” philosophy has already strengthened ties between Washington and Tokyo ahead of the president’s upcoming trip to Asia.
“He’s positive about her,” said a senior administration official, who noted that the two leaders are expected to discuss trade and regional security during Trump’s visit.
Other world leaders have seen the benefits of close ties with the president—Argentine President Javier Milei, for example, recently visited the White House and left with a $20 billion economic support package and a political endorsement.
Sen. Lindsey Graham, a longtime Trump ally and golf partner, offered some tongue-in-cheek advice for Japan’s new leader: “Heavy metal drumming may not be the entrée to Trump World,” he quipped. “Take golfing lessons.”
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