Arabic version: اليابان تهوّن من المخاوف بشأن إشارة ألبانيزي المتعلقة بالبطيخ

According to ABC News, Japan has publicly addressed concerns about Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s hand gestures while discussing a gift of two crown melons from Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. Japan’s ambassador to Australia, Kazuhiro Suzuki, said the government was aware of media reporting and had been told by Australia that Mr Albanese did not make comments in the way reported.

Mr Suzuki said a dinner hosted by Mr Albanese during Ms Takaichi’s May visit to Australia had been held in a “very relaxed atmosphere” and had helped build personal trust between the two leaders. The issue followed criticism from former Japanese ambassador Shingo Yamagami, who considered the gesture a disrespectful joke about Japan’s first female prime minister.

Mr Albanese has resisted Coalition calls to apologise, while government ministers have said his remarks on a podcast last month were misinterpreted. At Question Time, he rejected suggestions that he had made “foul-mouthed” remarks about women, saying Ms Takaichi was a friend of Australia and that the two countries were focused on a free, open, peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific.

The Coalition has also asked the Australian Federal Police to investigate the disclosure of a confidential Japanese government memo obtained by media outlets. The memo reportedly said Japan would not formally raise the issue, described Australian coverage as “sensationalised”, and said it did not believe there was “ill intention” in Mr Albanese’s remarks. The AFP confirmed it had received the referral but did not comment further, while the government called the referral a “stunt”.

Labor ministers Clare O’Neil and Tanya Plibersek criticised continued focus on the matter, pointing to cost-of-living concerns, family and domestic violence, and homelessness. One Nation MP Barnaby Joyce said Mr Albanese should apologise and communicate that to Ms Takaichi. The matter has received substantial domestic attention but has not become a major issue in Japan.