Tokyo: Hundreds of people gathered outside Tokyo's Ueno Zoological Gardens to bid an emotional farewell to panda twins Lei Lei and Xiao Xiao as they were transported back to China.
The four-year-old pandas, born at the zoo in 2021, were moved in a windowless truck, drawing crowds of fans wearing panda-themed clothing and carrying memorabilia.
With their departure, Japan no longer has any giant pandas for the first time since the animals were first loaned by China in the early 1970s following the normalisation of diplomatic ties between the two countries.
Emotional farewell from long-time fans
Many visitors expressed sadness at seeing the pandas leave earlier than expected. The animals had become a major attraction at Ueno Zoo, with fans following their lives closely since birth.
The zoo had earlier organised a special farewell viewing, allowing around 4,400 lottery-selected visitors to see the pandas one last time before their departure.
The pandas' repatriation was announced last month, shortly after a diplomatic dispute between Tokyo and Beijing. Tensions escalated after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested Japan could intervene militarily if Taiwan were attacked, a remark that angered China, which considers Taiwan part of its territory.
China's foreign ministry confirmed that the pandas' return followed the terms of the bilateral agreement, noting that their loan period was due to expire in February 2026.
Panda diplomacy and its significance
Giant pandas have long been used by China as a symbol of goodwill, a practice often referred to as "panda diplomacy". The animals have represented friendship between China and Japan since 1972, when the two nations restored diplomatic relations.
China has stated that it continues to welcome Japanese visitors to see giant pandas within China.
While Japan has reportedly expressed interest in borrowing a new pair of pandas, public opinion appears divided. A recent Asahi Shimbun poll showed that 70 per cent of respondents opposed negotiating with China for new panda loans, while 26 per cent supported the idea.
Broader strain in bilateral relations
Relations between the two countries have faced further challenges in recent months. China has discouraged its citizens from travelling to Japan, citing safety concerns, and has reportedly restricted exports of rare-earth materials vital for advanced manufacturing.
However, experts caution against reading too much political intent into the pandas' return. Analysts note that China routinely recalls pandas from overseas and that future loans could resume if relations improve.
Lei Lei and Xiao Xiao's departure marks the close of a significant chapter in Japan's cultural and diplomatic history. Their mother, Shin Shin, who arrived in Japan in 2011, was returned to China in 2024 due to declining health.
For now, the absence of pandas leaves a visible gap at Ueno Zoo and symbolises a cooling phase in Japan-China ties, even as the possibility of future panda diplomacy remains open.
(With AFP inputs)