Key facts
- Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese rejected calls to apologize for comments made about Japanese melons on a satirical podcast.
- The remarks were made on the Bush Deep podcast, referencing gifts from Japanese politician Sanae Takaichi.
- Former Japanese envoy Shingo Yamagami called the comments a "sexist joke" and an insult.
- Opposition leaders demanded an apology, while some government ministers defended Albanese's remarks as misinterpreted.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has rejected calls to apologize for comments made about Japanese melons on a satirical podcast, stating he would not be lectured by the Japanese government. The remarks, made on the Bush Deep podcast, referenced two crown melons gifted to Albanese by Japanese politician Sanae Takaichi. The episode, which aired in July, also included controversial comments about popstar Kylie Minogue. Tokyo's former ambassador to Canberra, Shingo Yamagami, labeled Albanese's comments a "sexist joke" and an insult that "betrayed the close bond" between Japan and Australia. Opposition leaders have demanded an apology, but Albanese maintains that the podcast host, comedian Nikki Osborne, made the joke. Several government ministers, including Finance Minister Katy Gallagher and Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek, have defended Albanese, suggesting his remarks were misinterpreted.