Japan’s parliament elected ultraconservative lawmaker Sanae Takaichi as prime minister on Tuesday, making her the first woman to hold the post. Admiring Margaret Thatcher, she champions a strong economy and military—along with a strong drum riff. A longtime Iron Maiden listener, she told Tokyo FM her favorite artist is Yoshiki of X JAPAN, praising his “technically brilliant” drumming and piano. Takaichi still plays drums to blow off steam, once covered Deep Purple and Black Sabbath, keeps an electronic kit at her parliamentary residence, has a passion for motorcycles, and holds a black belt in karate.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.