Japan's defence minister travels to Canberra for talks on frigates amid melon controversy

Japan’s defence minister Shinjiro Koizumi is scheduled to travel to Canberra this week for a meeting with his Australian counterpart and deputy prime minister Richard Marles, focusing on the purchase of three Mogami-class frigates and expanded security ties. The talks follow a controversy sparked by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s comments on a pair of melons gifted by Japanese prime minister Sanae Takaichi, which drew criticism from opposition figures and media.

Australian officials reiterated commitments to co-develop defence capabilities, conduct advanced weapons testing, and increase intelligence cooperation. Koizumi, seen as a potential future prime minister, is also dealing with criticism from China over a recent Yasukuni Shrine visit. The Canberra stop is part of a broader five-day itinerary that includes a visit to India, while Takaichi contends with slipping poll numbers and cost-of-living policy challenges at home.