Thousands flock to Tokyo zoo to see the last 2 pandas in Japan before their return to China
Thousands of people lined up outside Tokyo’s Ueno Zoo to catch one last glimpse of Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei, the beloved panda twins set to head back to China in early February. The metropolitan government confirmed on Monday that the pair will depart in late January, with the final day for public viewings on the 25th, meaning Japan will be without a resident panda for the first time in more than fifty years.
Panda diplomacy has long been a symbol of goodwill, with Beijing loaning the animals—but retaining ownership—during their stay. The twins, born in June 2021 at the zoo, have lived there for four years, yet are still on loan and must return when their contract ends.
The decision comes amid a sharp cooling of relations between Japan and China, triggered by comments from Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi about potential military action over Taiwan, as well as Chinese troop drills near Japanese waters that prompted a scramble of Tokyo’s combat aircraft. In response, China has limited tourism and cancelled cultural exchanges.
Despite the tension, many visitors made the trip early in the morning; some waited over two hours just to spend a single minute watching the pandas munch bamboo or walk in their enclosure. The zoo will now limit access to 4,800 visitors who book a minute-long slot online starting next week.
“Pandas have always attracted people in Japan, and we hope the friendship forged by panda diplomacy carries on,” said Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara. He added that local governments and other zoos expressed hope that new pandas will be loaned soon.
Hitoshi Suzuki, curator at Ueno Zoo, recalled the challenges of raising the twins but praised the joy and surprise they brought to both the staff and visitors. The zoo plans to highlight other animals while it waits for a new pair, keeping the panda area ready to welcome future arrivals.
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