Japan brushes off Australian PM’s ‘got a couple of melons’ comment

When a podcast host asked if she’d “smuggled” the expensive fruit through Australian customs, Albanese held his hands up adjacent to his chest and said he “got a couple of melons”.

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

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

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

Anthony Albanese appeared to gesture in front of his chest while talking about the gift on a podcast last month

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

A controversial appearance on the Bush Deep podcast has resurfaced after Anthony Albanese last month apologised for comments he made about Kylie Minogue.

A controversial appearance on the Bush Deep podcast has resurfaced after Anthony Albanese last month apologised for comments he made about Kylie Minogue.