And that is aside from the sexual innuendo in relation to Japan's first female prime minister.Labor ministers have stood behind Albanese and denied this, saying his comments and gestures have been misrepresented.The problem is potentially being compounded with the fact a month later, Takaichi's office may be forced to directly respond.The media and political press conferences are far more controlled in Japan than in Australia, but the melon comments have now been reported in local news outlets and are starting to be criticised on social media It could be days before a press conference is held, by which time the melons issue may have been superseded in the headlines.Like Albanese, Takaichi is currently facing a drop in the polls and has many other issues she would prefer to focus on: economic issues, cost of living, immigration debates, a possible cabinet reshuffle — and the fact North Korea has fired two ballistic missiles toward Japan in the space of a few days.If she was a man, she likely would be able to.The initial lack of coverage of the melon comments in Japan, both in the media and online, perhaps also reflects that while Australia's relationship with Japan is growing, it isn't on the same level as some other countries, such as the United States.This episode won't have helped in swinging that dial.