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Japan brushes off Australian PM Albanese's melon drama

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Japan brushes off Australian PM Albanese's melon drama
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 Alb
Australia politics live: Joyce claims One Nation ‘one of the gayest parties’ in country; Japan’s ambassador to Australia downplays Albanese’s melon comments
Follow today’s news live Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast Education minister says funding agreement with Victoria ‘very close’ The education minister, Jason Clare, says a funding deal with Victoria to get public schools funded to Gonski levels over the next decade is “very close”. We’re ver
Japanese ambassador moves to quash melon drama, defend Albanese
As One Nation joined the Coalition demanding an apology for Japanese prime minister Sanae Takaichi, her ambassador issued a statement saying Japan took no offence.
The Age
The Age3 hrs ago
Japanese ambassador moves to quash melon drama, defend Albanese
As One Nation joined the Coalition demanding an apology for Japanese prime minister Sanae Takaichi, her ambassador issued a statement saying Japan took no offence.
Furor over Albanese's melons joke could force Japan into drama it wanted to avoid
For a month the Japanese government has studiously remained quiet on Anthony Albanese's melons "joke". But the media frenzy in Australia could be a response it didn't want to make.
Australian prime minister refuses apology for ‘classless’ melon gag to Japan leader
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has rejected repeated calls to apologize to Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi over offensive and disrespectful comments he made on a comedy podcast in early July regarding an exchange at the leaders’ recent meeting. Albanese appeared to gesture in front of his chest while
Australian PM urged to apologise over joke about melons gifted by Japan’s Takaichi
Anthony Albanese appeared to gesture in front of his chest while talking about the gift on a podcast last month
New York Post
New York Post2 days ago
Australian PM Anthony Albanese denies ‘melons’ remark about Japan’s PM was sexual, pressure applied for apology
A joke gone wrong has ignited a diplomatic storm, and the Prime Minister’s own words are now being picked apart. Watch the clip here.
SBS News
SBS News2 days ago
Albanese, Japan's PM and melons: Behind the revived row over podcast remark
Opposition leader Angus Taylor said comments Anthony Albanese made about a gift from Japan's prime minister were "insulting".
Daily Star
Daily Star2 days ago
Australia's Prime Minister in hot water over 'beautiful melons' comment about Japanese leader
Anthony Albanese apologised last month after suggesting he would 'sh*g' Kylie Minogue on the same podcast recording he discussed a gift from Japan's Prime Minister
The Mirror
The Mirror🏁 first to report2 days ago
Australian PM Anthony Albanese 'beautiful melons' comment on female leader sparks backlash
The Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is in hot water for a second comment he made during the same podcast recording he suggested he would sleep with Kylie Minogue
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