Japan has dismissed the “sensationalised” melon saga embroiling Anthony Albanese amid calls on the Prime Minister to apologise to his Japanese counterpart.Mr Albanese faces accusations he referred to Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s breasts when discussing her gift of crown melons during a controversial podcast interview last month.His office has denied the claim.The Australian reported overnight that a diplomatic cable from July 13 “noted … sensationalised reporting” after Mr Albanese’s appearance on the Bush Deep podcast – the same interview in which he said he would “shag, marry and date” Kylie Minogue.Of his comments on Mr Takaichi, the cable said Tokyo believed there was no “ill intention” and that “no action” would be taken.It also said that Japan would not provide commentary to let media “move on”.However, the newly reported cable did not stop Coalition frontbencher Michaelia Cash from again calling on Mr Albanese to apologise on Tuesday morning.“When the Prime Minister’s crude and dirty podcast banter is formally raised by the Japanese government, Anthony Albanese hasn’t embarrassed himself, he’s embarrassed Australia,” she told Nine’s Today.“This is now a diplomatic incident because of the appalling behaviour of the Prime Minister.“And yes, he should apologise.”She went on to say ask: “Where is our great foreign minister, Penny Wong?“Penny has spent years and years and years lecturing Australians about standards and respect, and I want to know: Has she formally raised this herself?” Senator Cash said.Also appearing on the program, crossbencher Monique Ryan said “that whole interview was pretty cringe”.“Let’s face it, the Prime Minister didn’t really cover himself with glory with that one, and it’s disturbing to hear that the Japanese government has expressed some concerns about it,” she said.Ms Ryan added that if she “was the PM, I’d call, pick up the phone to the Japanese Prime Minister and apologise to her on this”.Senior ministers have defended Mr Albanese, with Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek insisting on Monday that Australia has “an excellent relationship with Japan”.Health Minister Mark Butler took a similar line, saying that there was “constant communication between our two countries … at the highest level”.“I know Prime Minister Albanese feels the deepest respect for that relationship,” he said.Read related topics:Anthony Albanese