Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia is facing backlash over statements he made regarding two crown melons presented to him by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi during a recent podcast appearance. The remarks emerged from an episode of the Bush Deep podcast that aired in July, during which host Nikki Osborne made a reference to Takaichi’s appearance while discussing the gift. Albanese responded by describing the melons as “pretty strange” gifts that “ended up being quite good,” gesturing near his chest during the exchange.
The comments have drawn significant criticism, particularly after Shingo Yamagami, Japan’s former ambassador to Australia, published an opinion piece characterizing Albanese’s remarks as a “sexist joke” that undermined the bilateral relationship. Yamagami emphasized the cultural significance of crown melons in Japan, explaining that they are highly prized luxury items with individual fruits costing more than 30,000 yen. He called on Albanese to appreciate the gifts without reference to women’s anatomy and to focus instead on strengthening ties between the two nations.
Albanese has resisted calls for an apology, asserting that the joke originated with the podcast host rather than himself. Opposition leaders, including Opposition Leader Angus Taylor, have demanded a personal apology, characterizing the remarks as insulting. An opposition MP directly questioned Albanese about the comments, which the prime minister responded to by rejecting the characterization and highlighting the strength of Australia-Japan relations under his government.
Several Labor government ministers have defended Albanese, arguing that critics and media outlets have misinterpreted his comments. Finance Minister Katy Gallagher and Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek both suggested that the remarks were not intended to be understood in the manner being reported. This controversy follows another incident from the same podcast episode in which Albanese made inappropriate comments about entertainer Kylie Minogue, for which he subsequently issued a public apology.
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