Japan’s defence minister Shinjiro Koizumi is visiting Canberra this week for talks with Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles. The visit represents the highest-level engagement between the two countries since a controversy emerged regarding comments made by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese about a pair of Japanese melons.
Albanese faced criticism after an appearance on the Bush Deep podcast, where he discussed melons presented by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi during a visit earlier this year. While making hand gestures, Albanese said “she brought two, as you do,” which sparked days of public criticism and claims of innuendo. The prime minister subsequently defended his remarks, stating that his gestures and comments were misinterpreted. Opposition figures expressed concerns that the incident could damage Australia’s relationship with a key regional partner.
Japan’s government initially did not publicly comment on the matter. However, Japan’s ambassador to Australia released a statement this week indicating Tokyo did not view the incident as a diplomatic problem. The ambassador noted that Takaichi’s May visit to Canberra had been hosted in a positive atmosphere. A Japanese diplomatic cable leaked during the controversy blamed sensationalised Australian media reporting and stated that Tokyo believed there was no ill intention behind Albanese’s actions. Albanese has also apologised for separate comments about Australian singer Kylie Minogue made during the same podcast appearance.
Koizumi’s discussions with Marles will focus on Australia’s acquisition of Japan’s Mogami-class frigates and broader security cooperation. Australia committed in August last year to purchasing three frigates for approximately $10 billion over a decade, with the first delivery expected in December 2029. Officials plan to discuss co-development and co-production of defence capabilities, weapons testing, training and exercises, and intelligence cooperation.
Koizumi, considered a potential future Japanese prime minister, will continue his trip to India after his Australian visit. Recently, he drew criticism from China for visiting the Yasukuni Shrine, a site honouring Japan’s war dead whose visits by senior officials are regularly protested by regional neighbours citing concerns about acknowledging Japan’s wartime history.
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