Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi has stated that the recent "melongate" controversy was not a topic of discussion during his meeting with Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles in Canberra.
The meeting, the most senior engagement between the two governments since the incident, took place on Tuesday. The controversy arose weeks prior when Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made remarks about melons gifted to him by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.
Speaking on the Bush Deep podcast, Albanese recounted that Takaichi had presented him with "a couple of melons." When the host responded, "She brought two!" Albanese replied, "She brought two, as you do." The conversation continued with the host joking about Takaichi's appearance, and Albanese repeating his statement about the melons.
These comments drew criticism in the Australian Parliament, with Liberal Senate leader Michaelia Cash labeling them "sexist and disrespectful."
Following his meeting with Marles, Koizumi addressed the controversy, stating, "There was not such a discussion today." He added that the Australian side had informed Japan prior to his visit that Albanese "did not mean it that way."
Richard Marles emphasized the robust state of bilateral relations between Australia and Japan. "The relationship between Australia and Japan is at a high water mark. It has never had the level of depth and engagement that it has right now," Marles said. He further highlighted the significant operational and diplomatic cooperation, noting, "We do next to the United States as much operationally with Japan as any defence force in the world, and we do as much defence diplomacy together as we do with any other country in the world."