Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is facing criticism over remarks he made about two crown melons gifted to him by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, with a former Japanese ambassador describing the comments as insulting.
The controversy stems from Albanese’s appearance on the Bush Deep podcast, which was recorded earlier and aired in July. During the discussion, Albanese referred to the two melons presented by Takaichi during her visit to Australia in May as “pretty strange” gifts, although he acknowledged that they turned out to be “quite good”.
The podcast host, comedian Nikki Osborne, joked about the gift while discussing Takaichi, saying she had arrived with two melons and comparing her appearance to Pamela Anderson.
“She brought two, and they are beautiful,” Albanese responded.
The exchange attracted little attention when the episode was first released but resurfaced after former Japanese ambassador to Australia Shingo Yamagami criticised the remarks as a “sexist joke”.
Yamagami said the comments had undermined the close relationship between Australia and Japan, arguing that Takaichi would not have expected to be mocked so casually by the leader of one of Japan’s closest strategic partners.
Crown melons are regarded as among Japan’s most prized fruits and are often presented as prestigious gifts. Yamagami noted that a single melon can cost more than 30,000 yen, or around A$188.
He urged Albanese to appreciate the fruit without linking it to women’s anatomy and instead focus on strengthening cooperation between the two countries.
Australian opposition leaders have called on Albanese to personally apologise to Takaichi. Opposition Leader Angus Taylor described the remarks as insulting and demanded an apology.
When questioned in Parliament on Tuesday about whether he would apologise for what was described as offensive and inappropriate comments about women, Albanese rejected the premise of the question.
He instead defended Australia-Japan relations, saying the two countries had “never been closer” and that his government had elevated their special strategic partnership.
Several Labor ministers have also defended the Prime Minister. Finance Minister Katy Gallagher said Albanese’s comments were not intended to be interpreted in the manner suggested by his political opponents and some media outlets.
Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek similarly described the criticism as an unnecessary interpretation and said viewers could judge the exchange for themselves.
The controversy comes shortly after Albanese apologised over another set of remarks made during the same podcast. Osborne had asked him whether he would “shag, marry or date” Kylie Minogue, Nicole Kidman or Rhonda Burchmore.
Albanese replied, “Kylie, clearly… all of the above,” prompting widespread criticism. He later issued an unequivocal public apology for those comments.
Osborne, who is known for provocative comedy content, describes herself as a journalist who asks questions others would not dare to ask.
