Australia has been galvanised by ‘melon-gate’. So what is the luxury fruit at the centre of the PM’s controversy?

Shizuoka Crown melons are part of an important cultural gifting practice in Japan, where they are hand-patted by growers to achieve an even shape and texture The melons at the centre of a national imbroglio involving the Australian prime minister have the sweetness of a watermelon, the snap of a honeydew and the perfum

Anthony Albanese is under fire for his comments about the melons gifted to him by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, but just how good are these melons?

Anthony Albanese is under fire for his comments about the melons gifted to him by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, but just how good are these melons?

To many Japanese people, the gift at the centre of the podcast controversy is more than just a melon.