From Japanese foreign minister to ‘King of Fruits’ promoter: Taro Kono on his new life as a durian cheerleader

There is nothing quite like the durian to divide opinion. To some, it is a foul-smelling pod that is so overpowering it is banned on some cities’ public transport systems. For others, its creamy texture and custard-like flavour make it the “king of fruits”.The durian is not native to Japan – it originally comes from Southeast Asia – so it is perhaps a surprise that Taro Kono, a former foreign minister, is such a fan.So enamoured is Kono with the spiky-skinned fruit that he accepted an…