Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is facing criticism over comments he made about two crown melons gifted by Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, with a former Japanese envoy calling the remarks an insult.

During a podcast appearance in July, Albanese gestured near his chest while describing the melons as "pretty strange" gifts that "ended up being quite good." The comments have now resurfaced after Shingo Yamagami, Japan's former ambassador to Australia, wrote an opinion piece labeling them a "sexist joke" that "betrayed the close bond" between the two nations.

Yamagami noted that crown melons are Japan's "most prized fruit" and "treasured as something special," with a single melon costing more than 30,000 yen ($188). He urged Albanese to "enjoy Japan's sweet and juicy melons without thinking about a woman's anatomy."

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The controversy adds to earlier criticism of Albanese's podcast appearance, where he made remarks about pop star Kylie Minogue that were deemed "inappropriate." Opposition leaders are now demanding an apology to Takaichi, but Albanese maintains that the host made the joke, not him.

Australian opposition leader Angus Taylor called the comments "insulting" and demanded a personal apology. During a parliamentary session, an opposition MP asked if Albanese would apologize for "foul-mouthed, classless comments about women," but the prime minister rejected the assertion, saying, "Australia and Japan have never been closer."

Several Labor ministers have defended Albanese, arguing his remarks were misinterpreted. Finance Minister Katy Gallagher said the comments "were not intended to be interpreted the way that our political opponents and some media outlets are reporting," while Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek called it "a completely unnecessary interpretation."

The podcast host, comedian Nikki Osborne, had earlier asked Albanese whether he would "shag, marry or date" Kylie Minogue, actress Nicole Kidman, or entertainer Rhonda Burchmore, to which he replied "Kylie, clearly... all of the above." Albanese later apologized unequivocally for those comments.

Source: BBC News