Japan's last 2 giant pandas returning to China a month earlier amid strained ties, visitors queue hours to say goodbye

Thousands of visitors have flocked to Tokyo’s Ueno Zoological Gardens to bid an emotional farewell to Japan’s last two giant pandas after authorities announced that the popular twins will be returned to China earlier than originally planned.

Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei, both four years old, are set to leave Japan by the end of January, around a month ahead of their initial February deadline, according to the Tokyo metropolitan government, as reported by Japanese and international media.

Their departure will leave Japan without any giant pandas for the first time in about half a century, a prospect that has disappointed many members of the public.

Long queues and final goodbyes

The announcement dominated Japan’s national headlines on Monday (Dec. 15), with fans lining up for hours the following day to catch a final glimpse of the twins.

Some visitors arrived early in the morning, wearing panda-themed hats and carrying bags and souvenirs, as long queues formed outside the zoo, according to Reuters.

“We hadn’t been here in decades since our children were little but we wanted to come after hearing they are going to be gone from Japan,” said 67-year-old Minoru Sawada, as cited by The Japan Times, who waited more than two hours with his wife to see Xiao Xiao.

His wife added that, given current relations with China, there may not be another panda loan anytime soon, and this might be the last time they would be able to see the twin pandas.

Sawada agreed:

“I have a feeling that the pandas won’t be back for another five, six years since [China’s] pretty mad about [the comment].

Symbolic departure

Born at Ueno Zoo in June 2021, the twins have been a major attraction since their parents were returned to China last year.

Once Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei depart, Japan will be panda-less for the first time since 1972, the year Tokyo and Beijing normalised diplomatic relations and China first sent giant pandas to Japan.

Their early return has taken on broader significance amid strained ties between the two countries.

Relations have deteriorated following remarks by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi last month.

China has long used giant pandas as part of its so-called “panda diplomacy”, loaning the animals to other countries as symbols of goodwill and cooperation and has on occasion recalled them to signal displeasure.

While such loans are typically governed by fixed agreements, the timing of the twins’ departure has led some observers and visitors to describe it as a symbolic loss for Japan.

“Pandas shouldn’t be political”

"Maybe our prime minister's comments had some influence on this," said one visitor going by the name of Kashio at Ueno Zoo.

“But pandas shouldn’t be political. They’re symbols of friendship between Japan and China, so I really hope pandas can stay here.”

Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said Japan hopes to continue exchanges with China through pandas, noting that such programmes have historically helped improve public sentiment between the two countries, reported Kyodo News.

Asked whether China plans to maintain cooperation with Japan on panda conservation, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson declined to comment directly, saying the matter should be addressed by relevant authorities.

Uncertain future and final viewing dates

With an influx of visitors expected until the pandas’ final public viewing day on Jan. 25, Ueno Zoo has introduced viewing restrictions, including time limits, online reservations and a lottery system for the final days.

The zoo’s gift shop has also stocked special memorabilia featuring the twins, which fans have been snapping up as keepsakes.

"The birth of these twins truly gave us so much, both in terms of experience and emotional impact," said Hitoshi Suzuki, chief of animal care and exhibition at Ueno Zoo. "I’m deeply grateful for that.”

Whether Japan will host giant pandas again remains uncertain.

Following the return of four pandas from a park in Wakayama earlier this year and the departure of the Ueno twins, prospects for a new loan appear clouded by the current diplomatic climate, leaving many to wonder when — or if — the iconic bears will return.

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