Japan’s defence minister heads to Australia to meet Marles in wake of melon-gate controversy

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

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