World Aug 14, 2026 · 1 min read

Australia has been galvanised by ‘melon-gate’. So what is the luxury fruit at the centre of the PM’s controversy?

Shizuoka Crown melons are part of an important cultural gifting practice in Japan, where they are hand-patted by growers to achieve an even shape and textureThe melons at the centre of a national imbroglio involving the Australian prime minister have the sweetness of a watermelon, the snap of a hone...

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The Guardian
by Isabella Lee
Australia has been galvanised by ‘melon-gate’. So what is the luxury fruit at the centre of the PM’s controversy?

Shizuoka Crown melons are part of an important cultural gifting practice in Japan, where they are hand-patted by growers to achieve an even shape and texture

The melons at the centre of a national imbroglio involving the Australian prime minister have the sweetness of a watermelon, the snap of a honeydew and the perfume of a peach, according to fruit sellers.

Anthony Albanese maintains he has nothing to apologise for, after a joke he made regarding a gift he received from Japan’s prime minister.

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This article was originally published by The Guardian and written by Isabella Lee.

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