Canberra Says No Ill Intent in PM's Remark on Takaichi's Gift
Sydney, Aug. 12 (Jiji Press)--Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had no ill intent when he made a remark regarding a gift from his Japanese counterpart Sanae Takaichi that has been criticized as sexist, the Australian government told the Japanese government. Sources at the Japanese Embassy in Canberra said Wednesday the Australian side explained that the remark by Albanese on melons...
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese did not intend any ill will when he made a remark about a gift from his Japanese counterpart, Sanae Takaichi, that has been deemed sexist, according to the Australian government's statement to Japan. The embassy in Canberra confirmed that Albanese's comment regarding the melons Takaichi gave him during her visit to Australia in May was not meant to have the sexual undertone that some critics have alleged.
Takaichi presented Albanese with high-quality melons from Shizuoka, a central Japanese prefecture, at their dinner during her visit. In a recent podcast, Albanese described the gift as strange but quite good, while also making a hand gesture near his chest as he mentioned Takaichi had presented him with two melons. The dinner was reportedly held in a cordial setting, and both leaders reportedly managed to establish a rapport, a Japanese official stated, indicating that Japan has no intention of dwelling on the issue.
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