Japan’s aspiring leader drums to relieve stress. She has many reasons to reach for her sticks

Former Economic Security Minister Sanae Takaichi was chosen to lead Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party during the party's leadership election in Tokyo on October 4, 2025. Kyodo News/AP Tokyo —

For most of her life, Sanae Takaichi has loved heavy metal.

Since drumming in a college band, the 64-year-old politician has remained a fan of groups like Black Sabbath and Iron Maiden. She used to play so hard that she carried four pairs of sticks as back-up in case they snapped, Japanese media has reported.

But unlike most metalheads who mellow with age, the woman likely to be Japan’s next prime minister is still an enthusiast. She has an electric drum set at home and bangs out songs whenever she’s stressed, usually about her husband.

“I play after he goes to sleep,” she joked durin