Japanese ambassador to Australia downplays Albanese melon gaffe as Taylor claims PM has ‘stuffed up’
Summary
The Japanese ambassador to Australia said Japan was not upset by Prime Minister Albanese’s comments about a gift of melons from Japan’s leader. The ambassador noted that Australia reassured Japan that Albanese’s remarks were misunderstood. Meanwhile, Australian opposition leaders want an investigation into a leak of a diplomatic cable criticizing Albanese’s remarks.Key Facts
- Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made comments about receiving Japanese melons from Japan’s leader, Sanae Takaichi, during a podcast.
- The comments caused a political controversy in Australia, called “melon-gate.”
- The Japanese ambassador to Australia said Tokyo was reassured that Albanese did not mean his comments as reported.
- Japan’s government said there was no ill intention from Albanese regarding the melon gift.
- The Australian opposition wants the federal police to investigate the leak of a secret diplomatic cable about the incident.
- The diplomatic cable was sent from Japan shortly after the podcast aired in July.
- Albanese and Labor ministers defended him and criticized the opposition’s calls for an investigation.
- Japan has not expressed any official concern or anger over Albanese’s remarks.
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