Crowds Gather to Say Farewell to Japan’s Last Pandas Before Return to China TOKYO , Thousands of Japanese panda fans flocked to Ueno Zoo over the weekend for the final public viewing of twin giant pandas, Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei, before they are returned to China later this week. Their departure will leave Japan without any giant pandas for the first time since 1972, when China first gifted pandas as a symbol of diplomatic friendship.
The farewell comes amid rising diplomatic tensions between Tokyo and Beijing, particularly over remarks by Japan’s Prime Minister concerning Taiwan, which Beijing criticised strongly. Beijing has reportedly declined Japanese requests for new pandas, making it unlikely the animals will return soon.
Visitors described mixed emotions, celebrating the beloved animals while reflecting on the strained bilateral relationship. The pandas, born at Ueno Zoo in 2021, have been major tourist draws and cultural icons for decades.
