Australia PM under fire for remarks on Japanese counterpart's melon gifts

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is facing criticism for remarks he made regarding two melons he received as a gift from his Japanese counterpart, Sanae Takaichi, after a former Japanese diplomat deemed the comments insulting.

During an appearance on the "Bush Deep" podcast, which aired in July, Albanese gestured near his chest while discussing the crown melons, describing them as "pretty strange" gifts that "ended up being quite good." This particular episode had previously drawn controversy due to "inappropriate" comments Albanese made about pop star Kylie Minogue.

Opposition leaders are now calling for Albanese to apologize to Takaichi. However, the BBC understands that Albanese maintains the joke originated from the podcast host, not him.

The exchange in question occurred when discussing the melons Takaichi's team presented to Albanese during her visit to Australia in May. Nikki Osborne, the comedian and host of "Bush Deep," quipped, "She brought two... She just came in looking like Pamela Anderson." Albanese responded, "She brought two, and they are beautiful."

While the episode initially garnered little attention, the comments resurfaced after Shingo Yamagami, Tokyo's former ambassador to Canberra, labeled Albanese's remarks a "sexist joke" and asserted they "betrayed the close bond" between Japan and Australia.

In an opinion piece published by The Australian on Monday, Yamagami wrote, "The last thing [Takaichi] expected was to be so casually mocked by the trusted leader of Japan's special strategic partner." He further explained that crown melons are considered the "most prized fruit" in Japan and "treasured as something special," with a single melon costing over 30,000 yen ($188).

Yamagami concluded his piece by stating, "So, prime minister, please enjoy Japan's sweet and juicy melons without thinking about a woman's anatomy, and instead focus on what our two countries must do together." During his two-year tenure in Australia, Yamagami had a notably strained relationship with some members of Albanese's Labor Party due to disagreements concerning China.

On Tuesday, an opposition MP questioned Albanese about whether he would apologize for the "foul-mouthed, classless comments about women." The prime minister responded by saying he "rejected the assertion of the question," adding, "Australia and Japan have never been closer. My government has taken our special strategic partnership to new heights."

Australia's opposition leader, Angus Taylor, also criticized the gaffe on Monday as "insulting" and demanded a personal apology from Albanese.

Several Labor ministers have come to Albanese's defense, arguing that the former envoy and the media have misinterpreted his comments. Finance Minister Katy Gallagher stated that the remarks "were not intended to be interpreted the way that our political opponents and some media outlets are reporting." Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek called it "a completely unnecessary interpretation of what the prime minister said," telling Australia's Channel Seven, "I think people watching it for themselves can make their own minds up."

Plibersek had previously defended Albanese's controversial comments about Minogue, suggesting they merely indicated he was a fan. Early last month, Albanese faced widespread condemnation after Osborne asked him on the podcast whether he would "shag, marry or date" Kylie Minogue, actress Nicole Kidman, or entertainer Rhonda Burchmore. He replied, "Kylie, clearly... all of the above." Albanese later issued a public apology, stating, "I apologise unequivocally for the comments."

Osborne, known for her crude comedy sketches on YouTube, launched her podcast series earlier this year. Her podcast site describes her as a "wildly inappropriate journalist" who asks "questions no one else would dare."