Japan is set to be panda-less for the first time in about 50 years as twin pandas Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei, currently residing at Tokyo’s Ueno Zoological Gardens, are scheduled to return to China by late January. The four-year-old pandas, born in 2021, have been on loan from China and were the last remaining pandas in Japan.

The departure of the twins marks the end of an era, as their parents, Shin Shin and Ri Ri, had returned to China last year after being loaned in 2011 for breeding research. The Tokyo metropolitan government confirmed that January 25 will be the last day the public can view the twin pandas.

Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara expressed hope that panda diplomacy would continue, saying, “Exchanges through pandas have contributed to improving public sentiment between Japan and China, and we hope the relationship will continue.” Several local zoos and municipalities have also requested new pandas in the future.

Also Read: India Eases Chinese Business Visa Rules, Cuts Processing Time to Under a Month

Giant pandas, native to southwestern China, remain the property of Beijing even when loaned abroad, serving as symbols of goodwill. Cubs born during the loan period are also considered Chinese property, reflecting China’s long-standing diplomatic strategy through panda loans.

Relations between Japan and China have deteriorated in recent months, particularly after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested Japan’s military could intervene if China acted against Taiwan. The tension has led to restrictions on Chinese tourism and the cancellation of cultural exchanges, with Chinese military drills near southern Japan escalating the dispute.

The absence of pandas in Japan highlights both a symbolic and cultural gap, as these animals have long been adored by the Japanese public. While citizens mourn the twins’ departure, the move also underscores the fragility of traditional China-Japan goodwill gestures amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Also Read: #JUSTIN: Mexico Imposes 50% Tariffs on China and India – Trade War Escalates