Aug 14, 2026 – 2.36pmFukuroi, Japan | An hour and a half south of Tokyo, where Japan’s prized melons have been carefully grown the same way for generations, farmers have some sympathy for Anthony Albanese.The entire town of Fukuroi has been built around the prestigious melons, whose pictures decorate the local train and appear on signs and souvenirs. A busy shop sells melon ice cream, juice, jelly and even a “mellow melon” curry. On the outskirts, thousands of the fruit hang beneath vines in climate-controlled greenhouses.Subscribe to gift this articleGift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber? Fetching latest articles
I tried Japan’s $70 melons – and found pity for Albanese’s gaffe
A trip to the source of Japan’s crown melons reveals the care that goes into growing the fruit – and a town relaxed about the prime minister’s gaffe.
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