- Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has refused to apologise over an apparent joke regarding a gift of expensive crown melons from Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.
- The controversy arose from a podcast appearance recorded in July, where Mr Albanese gestured towards his chest while discussing the formal gift.
- Former Japanese ambassador Shingo Yamagami reignited the issue, accusing Mr Albanese of making a sexist joke that betrayed bilateral ties.
- Opposition MPs demanded a personal apology, but Australian ministers and a diplomatic cable from Tokyo indicated there was no ill intent.
- Mr Albanese defended the relationship in parliament, stating that strategic and diplomatic alignment between Australia and Japan has reached new heights.
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