Albanese Under Fire for 'Melons' Joke About Japan Leader

Undiplomatic Melons: Anthony Albanese’s Oafish Bungle

“Politicians,” the vituperative satirist Auberon Waugh observed, “can forgive almost anything in the way of abuse; they can forgive subversion, revolution, being contradicted, exposed as liars, even ridiculed, but they can never forgive being ignored.” An exception to this appropriate rule might be the Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who is desperately wishing to be [...]

Canberra says no ill intent in prime minister’s remark on Takaichi’s gift

Takaichi gave Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese high-quality melons from Shizuoka Prefecture at their dinner during her visit to Australia in May.

Japan plays down controversy over Australian premier’s ‘melon’ gesture

Tokyo says it sees no ill intent in Australian premier’s remarks as opposition pushes for police investigation

Japanese govt brushes off Albanese’s melon drama

TOKYO — Tokyo on Wednesday played down comments by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese about melons gifted to him by his Japanese counterpart Sanae Takaichi that have triggered a row Down Under, stressing the two leaders’ good relationship.

Japan brushes off Australian PM’s ‘got a couple of melons’ comment

When a podcast host asked if she’d “smuggled” the expensive fruit through Australian customs, Albanese held his hands up adjacent to his chest and said he “got a couple of melons”.