Australian PM Criticised for 'Takaichi Melon' Joke

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has provoked controversy over a conversation with a podcast host about melons gifted by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi during her visit to Australia in May. The comments, published in a podcast on 3 July, were deemed impolite and containing sexual innuendo. In the video, Albanese said Takaichi had brought ‘some melons’ while making a gesture with both hands at his chest. In response, the podcast host joked that Takaichi had arrived looking like Pamela Anderson, referencing the Baywatch actress. ‘She brought two, and they were both beautiful,’ Albanese replied to the host. The Australian newspaper reported that Albanese’s remarks were widely interpreted as a reference to Takaichi’s body parts. Opposition lawmakers have urged Albanese to formally apologise to Takaichi. An opposition MP questioned Albanese on Tuesday regarding whether he would apologise for the crude and unethical comments about a woman. ‘I reject the allegation contained in the question,’ Albanese said. Meanwhile, Australian public broadcaster ABC reported on Wednesday that Japanese Ambassador to Australia Kazuhiro Suzuki said the Japanese government was aware of media reports regarding the podcast’s content. ‘We have been informed by the Australian side that PM Albanese did not make the statement as reported,’ Suzuki said in a statement quoted by ABC. The report noted that the dinner hosted by Albanese during Takaichi’s visit took place in a very relaxed atmosphere, which Japan believes helped build a personal relationship of trust between the two leaders. In Japan, high-quality melons are often used as a symbol of a luxurious gift.