Australia PM Criticized for Sexist Remarks About Japanese Melon Gifts

Former Japanese Ambassador to South Korea, Masahiro Tanaka, condemned remarks made by a South‑Korean lawmaker that he described as “sexist” and said they “betrayed the close bond” between the two countries. The comments, which surfaced in a parliamentary debate last week, targeted Japanese women and were widely criticized by Japanese officials and civil‑society groups.

Tanaka, speaking at a Tokyo press conference, urged both governments to address the issue and to reinforce the diplomatic and economic partnership that has expanded over the past decade. He added that such remarks undermine the trust built through joint initiatives on trade, security and cultural exchange. The South‑Korean lawmaker’s party has yet to issue a formal apology, and the incident has prompted calls for clearer guidelines on respectful discourse in bilateral forums.