Rock and rule: Japan's first woman PM Sanae Takaichi plays heavy metal drums as hobby

Sanae Takaichi made history on Tuesday as Japan’s first woman prime minister, but she is no ordinary politician. At 64, the new leader is a devoted heavy metal fan who still plays drums at home whenever she feels stressed.

“I play after he goes to sleep,” she joked during a recent interview with a Japanese YouTuber, referring to her husband, reports CNN. Her love of music has long been a defining feature, from drumming in a college band to practising on her electric set today. She carried four pairs of drumsticks as back-ups when she played, in case they snapped mid-performance. She is also a fan of Black Sabbath and Iron Maiden

Takaichi’s love for drumming shows in the way she works. She became leader of the Liberal Democratic Party on October 4 and was chosen as prime minister by parliament on Tuesday.

Despite promising more women in cabinet, she appointed only two among 19 ministers. Takaichi has spoken openly about women’s health and menopause, saying she hopes to see “more policies from a woman's perspective: support for childcare, and help for women returning to work after having children.”

Her political life has been equally dynamic. She began as an independent lawmaker in 1993, later joining the LDP, and has held multiple cabinet roles, including minister of economic security. She admires Margaret Thatcher and Shinzo Abe and is known for her conservative stances on defence and traditional values.

Even with so many responsibilities, music is still a big part of who she is. Colleagues say her energy and focus stem from the same discipline she developed behind the drum kit. “She bangs out songs whenever she’s stressed, usually about her husband,” Japanese media reports.