An old video of Takaichi Sanae, the first female leader of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), highlighting a past television appearance in which she sang a song by the rock band X Japan, has resurfaced and is going viral.In the video, she can be seen performing “Rusty Nail,” a fan-favorite song by the band X Japan.The 64-year-old was elected leader of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) on its 70th anniversary, positioning her to potentially become the country’s first female prime minister.A former government minister and television host, Takaichi previously played drums in a heavy metal band and was known for breaking drumsticks during performances. She is also a scuba diving and car enthusiast, with her Toyota Supra now exhibited in a museum in Nara, as cited by the BBC. She is also notably a Hanshin Tigers fan. Born in Nara Prefecture in 1961, Takaichi Sanae grew up in a family with no political background; her father was an office worker and her mother a police officer.Her interest in politics emerged in the 1980s amid rising US-Japan trade tensions. Seeking to understand American perceptions of Japan, she worked in the office of Democratic Congresswoman Patricia Schroeder, known for her critical stance on Japan.During her time in the US, Takaichi observed Americans frequently confusing Japanese, Chinese, and Korean languages and cuisine, noting how Japan was often lumped together with China and South Korea.“Unless Japan can defend itself, its fate will always be at the mercy of shallow US opinion,” she said. She has also held several senior government positions, including minister for economic security, state minister for trade and industry, and a record-breaking tenure as minister for internal affairs and communications.
