Japan brushes off Australian PM Albanese's melon drama

Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visit the Canberra Nara Peace Park in Canberra on May 4, 2026. (Photo: AFP/Saeed Khan) 12 Aug 2026 05:24PM (Updated: 12 Aug 2026 05:26PM) TOKYO: Tokyo on Wednesday (Aug 12) played down comments by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese about melons gifted to him by his Japanese counterpart that have triggered a row Down Under, stressing the leaders' good relationship."We are aware of the reporting in the media. We have been informed by the Australian side that Prime Minister Albanese did not make the comments in the way that has been reported," a Japanese government statement said."In any case, the dinner hosted by Prime Minister Albanese during the Prime Minister's visit to Australia this May was hel