Japan enters its first panda-free period in over half a century as twin bears Lei Lei and Xiao Xiao depart Tokyo’s Ueno Zoological Gardens for China on Tuesday. The four-year-old pandas, born and raised at the renowned zoo, were transported via specialized truck in a move that has left countless Japanese admirers heartbroken.
The sudden repatriation, occurring approximately one month ahead of their official loan expiration in February, coincides with notable diplomatic tensions between Tokyo and Beijing. These strains emerged following comments by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggesting potential military intervention regarding Taiwan—a position that provoked strong opposition from China, which considers Taiwan part of its sovereign territory.
Pandas have long served as symbols of Sino-Japanese friendship since the normalization of diplomatic relations in 1972, operating under China’s strategic ‘panda diplomacy’ program. On Sunday, Ueno Zoo hosted a final viewing event for 4,400 selected lottery winners, though many additional fans gathered outside wearing panda-themed apparel and carrying memorabilia to express their affection.
Despite current geopolitical friction, experts suggest the pandas’ return might not be exclusively politically motivated. Professor Masaki Ienaga, an East Asian relations specialist at Tokyo Woman’s Christian University, noted that China routinely recalls pandas from international locations and indicated that future improvements in bilateral relations could facilitate the return of pandas to Japan.
Meanwhile, China has recently discouraged tourism to Japan and restricted exports of critical rare-earth materials, further complicating the relationship. Japanese officials have reportedly initiated efforts to secure a new pair of pandas, hoping to restore this cherished cultural and diplomatic bridge.