Japan has bid goodbye to its last two giant pandas, Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei, as they depart Tokyo’s Ueno Zoo to return to China, marking the first time in about 50 years that the country will be without pandas. The twin pandas, born at Ueno in 2021, have been beloved attractions and symbols of friendship between Japan and China since the first animals arrived following the normalization of relations in 1972.
Their departure comes as diplomatic relations with China deteriorate amid disputes, especially over statements from Japan regarding Taiwan that have drawn sharp criticism from Beijing. While the pandas’ return was part of their loan agreement, many observers see the timing as reflective of the strained political climate between the two nations.
Read More
Hundreds of fans gathered to say goodbye, expressing sadness and nostalgia as the pandas were transported to China, where they will join other conservation programs. The Ueno Zoo hopes to continue its conservation efforts despite the loss of its most famous residents.
Why is this departure significant?
Because these pandas were more than zoo animals, they served as symbols of diplomatic goodwill, and their return highlights how geopolitical tensions can affect cultural exchanges and long-standing traditions.
