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The prime minister’s melon joke showed Australia and indeed much of Japan are okay with making fun of a close regional ally and leader of a foreign country.
When Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi visited Australia in May, she brought her host a gift chosen with diplomatic care: Crown Melons from Shizuoka, the most prized fruit in Japan, to mark Australia’s decision in January to reopen its market to Japanese melons.
In Japan, a single Crown Melon can cost more than a fine bottle of wine. Its perfection, based on the Japanese artisan spirit of takumi, is what you bring when you wish to honour someone.
