# Japanese ambassador downplays Albanese melon gaffe as Taylor says PM ‘stuffed up’

https://mins.news/en/item/19892

- The Guardian, 2026-08-12 08:18 UTC
- Politics
- Original: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/aug/12/anthony-albanese-japanese-prime-minister-melon-gate-coalition

> Japan’s ambassador to Australia has played down Anthony Albanese’s remarks about melons given by Sanae Takaichi. Tokyo was reportedly reassured by the Australian government that the prime minister did not make the comments in the manner described in reports. The Coalition is continuing to condemn the remarks and wants the federal police to investigate an allegedly leaked diplomatic cable. Labor has dismissed the demand as a “silly political stunt.”

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