Australia PM under fire for remarks on Japanese counterpart's melon gifts
Summary
Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese faced criticism for his remarks about two expensive melons given to him by Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. A former Japanese ambassador called Albanese’s comments disrespectful, but Albanese said the joke came from the podcast host, not him. Opposition leaders have asked Albanese to apologize, but he has rejected their demands.Key Facts
- Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi gave Anthony Albanese two high-value crown melons during her visit to Australia in May.
- Crown melons are a prized gift in Japan, costing more than $180 each.
- Albanese called the melon gifts “pretty strange” but also “quite good” during a July podcast episode.
- The podcast host made a joke comparing the melons to Pamela Anderson, which Albanese joined in responding to.
- Shingo Yamagami, former Japanese ambassador to Australia, called the comments “sexist” and damaging to the Australia-Japan relationship.
- Opposition leaders in Australia demanded Albanese apologize to Takaichi, which he refused, saying the joke was from the host.
- Albanese’s government denies the comments were offensive and stresses the strong partnership between Australia and Japan.
- Albanese previously apologized for unrelated controversial comments about Kylie Minogue on the same podcast.
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