CANBERRA — Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is facing renewed criticism over remarks about a gift of Japanese melons from Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, after opposition politicians accused him of making an inappropriate joke about Japan’s first female leader.
Albanese discussed the gift during an appearance on the “Bush Deep” podcast, where he was asked about an unusual present received during an overseas trip. He said Takaichi had given him two melons during her visit to Australia in May and described them as “beautiful.”
The exchange drew criticism after podcast host Nikki Osborne made a sexual reference to the fruit and gestured toward her chest. Albanese responded by saying, “I got a couple of melons,” while also making a hand gesture near his chest. Osborne subsequently referred to Pamela Anderson.
Australian Associated Press has fact-checked claims circulating online that Albanese himself compared Takaichi’s breasts with Anderson’s, finding that the comparison was made by Osborne, not Albanese.
The controversy has intensified in Australia, with opposition politicians calling the remarks disrespectful and demanding an apology. Deputy Liberal leader Jane Hume criticized the comments, while other opposition figures questioned whether they were appropriate for a prime minister when referring to a foreign leader.
Albanese rejected calls for an apology during parliamentary question time, defending his relationship with Takaichi and emphasizing the strength of Australia’s ties with Japan. Government ministers have also defended the prime minister, arguing that the remarks have been taken out of context from a satirical podcast.
The controversy comes as Australia and Japan seek to deepen their strategic partnership. During Takaichi’s May visit to Canberra, the two governments announced measures covering defence and security cooperation, economic security, critical minerals, energy and cyber cooperation. The countries also agreed to establish an Australia-Japan Leadership Dialogue.
Japanese officials have sought to avoid publicly escalating the dispute. Reports citing diplomatic correspondence said Tokyo did not regard the remarks as requiring a formal response, although former Japanese ambassador to Australia Shingo Yamagami has criticized Albanese’s conduct.
The episode has also prompted debate over how Australian political leaders engage in informal media appearances and the standards expected when discussing foreign counterparts.
For now, Albanese has maintained his position and has not apologized to Takaichi over the melon remarks, while the Australian opposition continues to press the government over the episode.
