Did melon-gate damage relations with Japan? Today we found out

A visit by Japan’s defence minister offered an opportunity to prove the bilateral relationship is too important to be derailed by a dodgy double entendre.

A visit by Japan’s defence minister offered an opportunity to prove the bilateral relationship is too important to be derailed by a dodgy double entendre.

Discussions to focus on Australia’s acquisition of Mogami-class frigates as Japan plays down Albanese’s podcast comments Japan’s defence minister will visit Canberra this week, the highest level engagement with Australia after controversy over Anthony Albanese’s comments about a gift of melons from prime minister Sanae

Zelenskyy calls for more sanctions on Russian defence supply chains  euractiv.com

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