A New Era of Metal Rock May Be Dawning in Japan.

Today, Japan’s ruling party, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), held its leadership election, and SANAE Takaichi was chosen as the new party president.

As a result, it is now virtually certain that she will be elected Japan’s first female prime minister when the Diet convenes this month.

Last month, SANAE appeared as a guest on BABYMETAL’s regular radio program - fitting, since she has long been known as an enthusiastic fan of metal rock.

Nicknamed “SANAMETAL” by the members of BABYMETAL, she spoke about her personal musical journey. She said her passion began when, as a child taking piano lessons, a college music student gave her a record by Black Sabbath.

One of MCZ’s signature songs, “Kuroi Shumatsu (means 'Black Weekend')” , is known as a homage to Black Sabbath’s “Sweet Leaf.”

Given that Ms. SANAE has publicly stated that she carries on the political ideals of the late former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe - who was acquainted with MCZ - it’s possible that this song, if it reaches her ears, might find a special place in her heart.