The Japanese government has downplayed the controversy surrounding Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's comments about melons gifted by his Japanese counterpart, Sanae Takaichi, saying it is more concerned about its national economy. The remarks, made over a month ago, have sparked an ongoing media and political firestorm in Australia, with opposition parties and parts of the media depicting Albanese as undiplomatic and crude.
Japan's Stance: A Non-Issue
According to Shiro Armstrong, professor of economics and director of the Australia-Japan Research Centre at the Australian National University, the incident was a non-issue in Japan, not even reported by mainstream press. Armstrong told the ABC that the controversy may be stored in the minds of Japanese business and political figures for future use, but for now, it seems to have limited impact.
The Japanese government has insisted it is more concerned about the condition of its economy than the crude double entendre pinned to the Australian prime minister. This response contrasts sharply with the intense scrutiny the incident has received in Australia.
Escalation in Australia: From Schoolyard Sniggers to Police Referral
The incident initially produced schoolyard sniggering and grave demands for public apologies. The opposition has now referred the leak of a diplomatic note sent by Japan to Australia to the federal police, prompting housing minister Clare O'Neil to declare the Liberals have "lost the plot."
Former Japanese ambassador to Australia, Shingo Yamagami, criticised the exchange in The Australian on Monday, reigniting the issue. Despite this, the Japanese government has not expressed official outrage, focusing instead on economic matters.
Political Reactions and the Podcast Context
Liberal MP Ted O'Brien sternly told ABC radio on Tuesday morning that it was a "national embarrassment" to be discussing the prime minister's remarks on the national broadcaster. Finance minister Katy Gallagher countered that the comments "were not intended to be interpreted the way that our political opponents and some media outlets are reporting," and that Albanese "absolutely rejects" that interpretation.
One Nation's Barnaby Joyce argued, without supporting detail, that the incident would damage trade relations with Japan, focusing on Albanese's attempt to be clever. "It wasn't clever for the fourth biggest economy in the world, an absolutely vital strategic partner in our defence," Joyce said.
The offending comments were made on a podcast hosted by comedian Nikki Osborne, who led the prime minister with insinuations that the melons were smuggled in under Takaichi's clothing. Albanese replied with a grin, "I don't know, 'I got a couple of melons,'" while gesturing to his chest. Osborne then said, "She brought two? She just came in looking like Pamela Anderson," to which Albanese responded, "She brought two, and they're beautiful." This was the second time Osborne had guided Albanese into troubling territory, the first being an implication he would "shag" Kylie Minogue.
Impact and Next Steps
Albanese refused to apologise for the comments in question time on Tuesday, saying Australia and Japan have "never been closer." The controversy may have limited use in Japan, but in Australia, it continues to dominate headlines. The prime minister may need to apply more discipline to future media appearances to avoid similar gaffes, as the government has a country to run.
