Jakarta, goldensamoyed Indonesia
—
The day after the news of the two’s repatriation
pandas
Japan’s final giant to China spread, thousands of fans packed the Ueno Zoo in Tokyo, Japan on Tuesday (13/12) to see the twins for the last time.
Many said goodbye to the two adorable pandas with tears in their eyes.
The announcement that four-year-old twins, Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei, would head to China at the end of January 2026, ahead of the February 20 deadline, made national news on Monday (15/12).This news disappointed Japanese people who have long had a deep love for pandas.
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Reuters
, their transfer to China has long been planned.However, the loss of the panda in Tokyo is rich in symbolism because China-Japan relations have recently deteriorated due to geopolitical problems.
Last month, Beijing expressed anger after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said a hypothetical Chinese attack on Taiwan could trigger a military response from Tokyo, and tensions remained high.
Panda Becomes a Political Symbol
On Tuesday (16/12), Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei made headlines again when TV cameras recorded crowds of visitors wearing panda hats, bags and knick-knacks.Long queues have been forming since the morning.
“I want these pandas to stay in Japan forever,” said Hiroyo Kashio, a 60-year-old hotel worker.”I know they belong to China, but since they were born in Japan, I really want them to live at Ueno Zoo,” he added.
The panda twins were born at the zoo in June 2021 and have been a major attraction since their parents were repatriated last year.After they leave, Japan will be a country without pandas for the first time since 1972, the year it normalized diplomatic relations with China.
“The birth of these twins really gave us a lot, both in experience and emotional impact,” said Hitoshi Suzuki, head of animal care and exhibitions at Ueno Zoo.”I’m very grateful for that,” he continued.
China, in its so-called panda diplomacy, has a history of lending out pandas to reward its allies, although sometimes taking them back to express dissatisfaction.
Pandas, which are endemic to China, usually return to their home country after loan agreements end, and cubs born abroad are no exception.
Anticipating a surge in visitors until Jan. 25, 2026, the last day of Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei’s visit, Ueno Zoo began limiting panda viewing time in the pavilion to around one minute starting Tuesday.
The zoo will also enforce online bookings starting next week.For the last 12 days, a lottery will be held to select lucky visitors.
“Perhaps our prime minister’s comments had some influence on this,” said visitor Kashio.”But pandas should not be political. They are a symbol of friendship between Japan and China, so I really hope pandas can stay here,” he added.
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