Tokyo says it sees no ill intent in Australian premier’s remarks as opposition pushes for police investigationThe Gesture: Anthony Albanese on the Bush Deep podcast with host Nikki Osborne. Photo: ScreengrabJapan on Wednesday played down a controversy surrounding the Australian prime minister’s remarks and hand gestures about melons gifted by his Japanese counterpart Sanae Takaichi, saying the episode had not undermined relations between the leaders. Japanese Ambassador to Australia Kazuhiro Suzuki said Tokyo was aware of media reports about Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s comments, according to Australian public broadcaster ABC News. “We have been informed by the Australian side that Prime Minister Albanese did not make the comments in the way that has been reported,” Suzuki said. Liberal Senator James Paterson, however, called for the Australian Federal Police to investigate the apparent disclosure of the confidential Japanese correspondence, accusing the government of leaking it to “exonerate the prime minister”.