Japan’s newly elected first female Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, known as the country’s “Iron Lady” for her admiration of Margaret Thatcher, is also a longtime heavy metal fan and amateur drummer. Takaichi, 64, is an avowed fan of British heavy metal bands like Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath, and Deep Purple, and played drums in a metal band in college, while also growing up with a love of riding Kawasaki motorcycles. Whenever she needs to relieve stress, Takaichi picks up her sticks and gets behind an electronic kit. “I play after [my husband] goes to sleep,” she admitted in a recent interview, while also revealing that she gave up riding motorcycles when she was 32 in order to avoid accidents that could hinder her political career. Takaichi is a veteran member of the traditionally male-dominated Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), and her election as Prime Minister comes after her third attempt. (Consequence of Sound)
