When it comes to diplomacy, it’s not always about trade deals and international summits. Sometimes, it’s all about sharing a plate of the world’s smelliest fruit – durian!
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida had a taste of Malaysia’s famous “King of Fruit” during his recent visit, and it’s safe to say, he made quite a splash at the durian feast.
Japanese PM eats durian for the first time with spoon & fork
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim turned this diplomatic mission into a culinary adventure when he served Prime Minister Kishida a heaping plate of durian.
The memorable encounter was beautifully documented by Anwar’s photographer, Sadiq Asyraf, who couldn’t resist sharing the hilarious and heartwarming moments on X.
In the photos, Anwar Ibrahim encouraged Kishida to dig into the durian’s luscious filling, and he did so with a fork and spoon in hand.
Cutlery vs. Hands: A Taste-Off
Now, while some might argue that using utensils is a matter of personal preference, netizens couldn’t help but wonder why Kishida didn’t opt for the local, more tactile approach – eating with his bare hands, Malaysian-style.
Japanese Ambassador to Malaysia, His Highness Takahashi Katsuhiko, coined the encounter as “Durian Diplomacy,” showcasing how sharing a plate of this pungent delicacy can bridge cultural gaps in the most unexpected way.
In a video that captured this cultural exchange, Kishida seemed to embrace the challenge with a smile, showing no fear in the face of the infamous “King of Fruit.”
The video reveals the delightful moment when the Japanese Prime Minister took his first bite, receiving a warm round of applause from his Malaysian hosts.
The encounter adds a fun twist to the ongoing celebration of the 50th Anniversary of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation.
It’s a reminder that diplomacy can be as simple as sharing a plate of durian – a gesture of friendship that knows no language barrier.
