Australian Prime Minister Refuses Apology Over “Melon” Joke Amid Diplomatic Backlash

During a July appearance on the comedy podcast *Bush Deep*, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese referenced a gift of two Shizuoka Crown Melons from Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. He said, “I got a couple of melons,” gesturing in front of his chest. The comment resurfaced in early August, prompting opposition calls for a personal apology.

LATIKA M BOURKE: Shinzo Abe adviser blasts Anthony Albanese over crude joke about Japanese PM’s melon gift

Crown Melons are a luxury Japanese fruit often used as diplomatic gifts. The May 4 dinner marked the first time Australia lifted a ban on Japanese melon imports, allowing fresh fruit into the market. The gift was meant to symbolize the deepening Australia-Japan partnership, which now includes agreements on minerals, energy security and defence.

Special Broadcasting Service

• May 4 (2026) – Takaichi presents the melons to Albanese.

Albanese shrugs off calls to apologize over Japanese PM ‘melon’ joke

• July (2026) – Albanese makes the “melons” remark on *Bush Deep*.

ABC News Australia

• July 13 (2026) – A Japanese diplomatic cable notes “sensationalised reporting” but finds no ill intent.

Japanese officials surprised over leaked Sanae Takaichi correspondence with Anthony Albanese amid melon row

• August 10 (2026) – Opposition leader Angus Taylor demands a personal apology.

Special Broadcasting Service

• Each Crown Melon can sell for more than A$270 (US $190) in Japan, reflecting its luxury status.

LATIKA M BOURKE: Shinzo Abe adviser blasts Anthony Albanese over crude joke about Japanese PM’s melon gift

• Assistant minister Pat Gorman said, “There is no need for that.”

Japanese officials surprised over leaked Sanae Takaichi correspondence with Anthony Albanese amid melon row

• Resources minister Madeleine King and agriculture minister Julie Collins called the coverage “sensationalised.”

Japanese officials surprised over leaked Sanae Takaichi correspondence with Anthony Albanese amid melon row

• Environment minister Murray Watt said the remarks were “misinterpreted.”

Japanese officials surprised over leaked Sanae Takaichi correspondence with Anthony Albanese amid melon row

• The July 13 cable reported no formal grievance from Japan.

ABC News Australia

• Former ambassador Shingo Yamagami criticised the remarks as “insulting” in an op-ed.

The Sydney Morning Herald

Japanese officials indicated no formal grievance, yet some Japanese media published critical pieces, creating a mixed picture of official sentiment. No public statement from Prime Minister Takaichi has been reported.

ABC News Australia

• “They were insulting and the prime minister should make a personal apology,” — Angus Taylor

Australian opposition demands Albanese apology over ‘melon’ joke about Japan premier

• “There is no need for that.” — Pat Gorman

The Guardian

• “I got a couple of melons,” — Anthony Albanese

Albanese shrugs off calls to apologize over Japanese PM ‘melon’ joke