Japan says emotional goodbye as last two giant pandas head to China

Surprising news has arrived just days after Japan is set to return two giant pandas to China, prompting fans to flock to Tokyo’s Ueno Zoo for a final sighting on Tuesday.

According to Reuters, the main announcement was that four-year-old Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei would head to China at the end of January ahead of the February 20 final deadline.

The recent news was depressing for a nation that has long had a love affair with pandas.

While this move was planned, the departure is rich in symbolism, occurring as China-Japan relations have strained due to geopolitical tensions.

Beijing expressed outrage after Japanese Minister Sanae Takaichi stated that an attack on Taiwan could trigger a military response from Tokyo, causing tensions to escalate.

TV cameras captured throngs of visitors-many wearing panda hats and carrying panda-themed bags-generating gridlock at the zoo from early this morning as they gathered for a final look at Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei.

In this connection, a 60-year-old hospitality worker, Hiroyo Kashio, said, “ I want these pandas to stay in Japan forever.”

She further expressed her love, stating, “ I know they belong to China, but since they were born in Japan, I really want them to stay in Ueno Zoo.”

The chief of animal care and exhibition at Ueno Zoo said, “The birth of these twins truly gave us so much both in terms of experience and emotional impact. I am deeply grateful for that, he further added.

China has a long history of panda diplomacy, -loaning out pandas to reward its allies-though it has rarely taken them back to voice disapproval.

Following the recent development, a flood of visitors has been eager to see them until their departure in January 2026.

Starting today, viewing of Xiao Xiao and Lei lei 'at the panda pavilion has been restricted to approximately one minute per person, and digital booking will be required starting next week.

In addition, a lottery will be conducted to select the lucky viewers.