Australia's PM Faces Criticism Over Melon Joke That Upset Japanese Counterpart

Sun Sep 06 2026 07:34:08 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is criticised for joking about crown melons gifted by Japan's leader, sparking calls for an apology and revealing tensions in the Australia‑Japan partnership.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese drew backlash after a podcast comment on two crown melons presented by Japan’s prime minister, which some have called a sexist joke. The incident follows earlier controversy surrounding remarks about pop star Kylie Minogue, for which Albanese issued an apology. Former Japanese ambassador Shingo Yamagami publicly condemned the comment as a betrayal of the close Australia‑Japan relationship, while opposition leaders demanded a personal apology from Albanese. The PM insists he was simply responding to the host’s joke and rejects claims that he intended disrespect. The episode underscores the delicate balance between humor and diplomatic decorum in high‑level international relations.

Japanese prime minister Sanae Takaichi and Australian PM Anthony Albanese exchanging crown melons — Prime minister Sanae Takaichi presented two crown melons to Anthony Albanese during a May visit.

Australia's PM Faces Criticism Over Melon Joke That Upset Japanese Counterpart

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was criticised after a podcast comment describing two crown melons presented by Japan's leader Sanae Takaichi as "pretty strange" yet "quite good". Some observers warned that the remark could be viewed as a sexist joke and a breach of diplomatic decorum.

Shingo Yamagami, the former Japanese ambassador to Canberra, publicly denounced the comment, calling it a betrayal of the strong Australia‑Japan partnership and an insult to the mutual respect between the two nations.

Opposition leaders have demanded an apology, which Albanese has denied, insisting that the host was joking and that he had no intent to offend. He reaffirmed that the Australia‑Japan relationship has never been closer and that the complaints arise from a misinterpretation of his words.

The incident echoes the earlier controversy that erupted when Albanese made remarks about pop star Kylie Minogue on the same podcast, for which he issued a public apology. The episode highlights the scrutiny that public officials face when comments made in informal settings circulate in the media.

As discussions continue, the Australian government and opposition factions remain divided over how best to manage the fallout and preserve diplomatic goodwill between Australia and Japan.