It’s not every day you hear about a country’s potential next prime minister going viral for singing a rock anthem. But that’s exactly what happened with Sanae Takaichi, the newly elected leader of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party. An earlier video of her belting out "Rusty Nail" by the iconic band X Japan has resurfaced, reminding everyone that this ultra-conservative politician was once a heavy-metal drummer who reportedly broke drumsticks during performances.
Key Highlights
- ✓ Sanae Takaichi, 64, is the first female president of Japan's long-ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).
- ✓ She is a former heavy-metal drummer, motorbike rider, and car enthusiast.
- ✓ An ultra-conservative, she is a strong proponent of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's vision for Japan. Another important factor is
- ✓ She famously declared, "I will abandon the word 'work-life balance. ' I will work, work, work and work. "
- ✓ A known China hawk, she regularly visits the controversial Yasukuni Shrine, a symbol of Japan's past militarism to its neighbors. This brings us to
On October 4, 2025, the 64-year-earlier Takaichi made history by becoming the first female president of the LDP, a party that has dominated post-war Japanese politics. It's worth noting that This move positions her to become the nation's first-ever female prime minister, a monumental step in a country that consistently ranks low in global gender equality ratings. Yet, she is a figure of fascinating contradictions—a trailblazer in a male-dominated world who holds deeply traditional views.
From Drum Solos to Political Power
Long before she was a political heavyweight, Takaichi was living a very different life. As a student, she was a passionate drummer in a heavy-metal band, an enthusiastic motorbike rider, and a car aficionado. Her beloved Toyota Supra is even exhibited in a museum in her hometown of Nara. This unconventional background is a world away from the typically staid image of Japanese politicians.
Born in 1961 to a family with no political connections—her father was an office worker and her mother a police officer—Takaichi’s interest in politics ignited in the 1980s during a period of intense US-Japan trade friction. To better understand the American perspective, she took a job in the office of Democratic Congresswoman Patricia Schroeder, who was known for her critical stance on Japan. It was an eye-opening experience that shaped her political philosophy for decades to come.
She observed how Americans often couldn't distinguish between Japanese, Chinese, and Korean cultures, lumping them all together. This led her to a powerful conclusion about national self-reliance. It’s a belief that has clearly stuck with her throughout her long career, which began when she was first elected to parliament in 1993. Recent reports indicate that
The "Iron Lady" of Japan.
Takaichi has never hidden her admiration for former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. She is a staunch conservative who aligns closely with the vision of the late Shinzo Abe, a towering figure in Japanese politics. It's worth noting that Her policy stances reflect this: she calls for a stronger military, more fiscal spending to fuel growth, promotion of nuclear fusion, and tougher policies on cybersecurity and immigration.
Her work ethic has also become a major talking point. After winning the LDP leadership, she called on all party lawmakers to "work like a horse" to regain public trust. Then she made a statement that sent ripples across social media: "I will abandon the word 'work-life balance. ' I will work, work, work and work. " The reaction was immediate and divided, with some praising her dedication while others expressed serious concern about promoting such an intense work culture in a country already known for it. It's worth noting that
This isn't just talk. Takaichi herself admits to being a workaholic who prefers studying at home over socializing. After failing in two previous leadership bids, she said she was advised to build more connections by being more sociable, an effort she clearly made to secure her current position. Her career has seen her in several key posts, including minister of economic security, internal affairs, and even gender equality.
A Complicated Champion for Women
Here's where the story gets really complex. While her rise is a landmark moment for women in Japanese politics—where they make up only 15% of the powerful lower house—Takaichi’s own views on gender equality are seen by many as regressive. During her campaign, she barely mentioned gender issues, a topic often shunned by female politicians in the LDP who fear being sidelined by male party heavyweights.
She has consistently supported the party's traditional view of women as superior mothers and wives. She opposes same-sex marriage and has pushed back against revising a 19th-century law that would allow married couples to use separate surnames—a change that would primarily benefit women. Furthermore, she supports maintaining the imperial family's male-only succession rule.
Yet, there's a more personal side. Takaichi has recently opened up about her own struggles with menopausal symptoms, stressing the need to educate men about female health issues to better support women at school and in the workplace. While she has vowed to drastically increase the number of female Ministers in her government, experts like Yuki Tsuji, a professor at Tokai University, remain skeptical, noting Takaichi "has no interest in women's rights or gender equality policies. "
A Hawk on the World Stage
When it comes to foreign policy, Takaichi's positions are clear and uncompromising. She is widely seen as a hawk, particularly toward China. She is also a known wartime history revisionist, a stance that causes significant friction with Japan's neighbors, especially China and South Korea. Her regular visits to the Yasukuni Shrine, which honors convicted war criminals among others, are a constant source of diplomatic tension.
Political watchers believe her hardline views could seriously complicate ties with Beijing and Seoul. This hawkish stance also creates potential friction within her own ruling coalition. A notable point here is The LDP's longtime partner, the Buddhist-backed and more moderate Komeito party, may find her approach difficult to stomach. Takaichi, however, has said she is open to working with far-right groups, signaling a potential shift in political alliances.
While she has tried to keep her cards close to her chest regarding what she would do as prime minister, her track record suggests a leader who won't shy away from confrontation. Her election isn't just a domestic affair; it sends a strong signal to the entire region about the direction Japan may be heading.
Conclusion
Sanae Takaichi is anything but a simple political figure. She is a woman of deep contradictions: a former heavy-metal drummer who champions tradition, a trailblazer for women who questions modern feminist goals, and a leader whose rise could either inspire a new generation or set back progress on social issues. Upon her election, she remarked, "Now that the LDP has its first female president, its scenery will change a little. " The whole world is now watching to see just how much that scenery is about to change.
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