Furor over Albanese's melons joke could force Japan into drama it wanted to avoid
For a month the Japanese government has studiously remained quiet on Anthony Albanese's melons "joke". But the media frenzy in Australia could be a response it didn't want to make.
Japan's Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae has remained silent on a controversial joke made by Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese about two "smuggled" melons gifted to him during her visit in May. The issue resurfaced after Albanese's recent appearance on a podcast, leading Japanese media and social networks to cover the story.
Japan, which hoped silence would quell the controversy, may now be forced to address the issue, potentially during a press conference as people prepare for the Obon holiday. Japan's government has carefully maintained relations with Australia, but this incident, along with other issues, could impact the growing partnership and further distance relations from the US.
Written by urgent.news from ABC News AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
