Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is facing criticism for remarks he made regarding a gift of premium Japanese melons, with a former Japanese envoy labeling the comments a "sexist joke" that "betrayed the close bond" between Japan and Australia.
The exchange, which initially drew little attention, resurfaced after Shingo Yamagami, Tokyo's former ambassador to Canberra, stated in an opinion piece that Albanese's comments were inappropriate and disrespectful. "The last thing [Sanae Takaichi, referring to the recipient] expected was to be so casually mocked by the trusted leader of Japan's special strategic partner," Yamagami wrote.
Crown melons are highly prized in Japan, with a single melon costing upwards of 30,000 yen (approximately $188 USD). Yamagami urged the prime minister to "enjoy Japan's sweet and juicy melons without thinking about a woman's anatomy, and instead focus on what our two countries must do together."
During his tenure in Australia, Yamagami reportedly had a strained relationship with members of Albanese's Labor Party due to disagreements concerning China.
An opposition Member of Parliament questioned Albanese on Tuesday about the remarks, asking if he would apologize for "foul-mouthed, classless comments about women." The prime minister responded by stating he "rejected the assertion of the question" and emphasized the strength of Australia-Japan relations under his government.
Opposition leader Angus Taylor also criticized the comments as "insulting" and called for a personal apology from Albanese.
Several Labor ministers have defended the prime minister, suggesting the former envoy and media outlets have misinterpreted his remarks. Finance Minister Katy Gallagher stated the comments "were not intended to be interpreted the way that our political opponents and some media outlets are reporting." Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek described the interpretation as "completely unnecessary."
This incident follows a separate controversy last month where Albanese responded to a question about celebrity choices by saying he would "shag, marry or date" Kylie Minogue, Nicole Kidman, or Rhonda Burchmore with "Kylie, clearly... all of the above." He later issued an "unequivocal" apology for those comments.
Albanese's recent remarks were made during an appearance on a podcast hosted by an independent journalist known for asking provocative questions.