End of an Era: Japan’s Last Giant Pandas Depart
Tokyo — Japan this week bid an emotional farewell to its last two giant pandas, Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei, as they were formally returned to China — a moment that marks the first time since 1972 that the country will be without pandas. The departure of the iconic animals reflects more than the end of a longstanding cultural tradition; it comes amid worsening diplomatic ties between the two Asian powers.
Thousands of visitors flocked to Ueno Zoo in Tokyo over the weekend to see the twin pandas for the last time, with visitors often queuing for hours through a lottery system to secure a few minutes with the animals. At one point, the zoo recorded overwhelming demand for limited viewing slots as fans said goodbye to creatures that have captured the hearts of generations.
Panda Diplomacy: History and Symbolism
China’s practice of “panda diplomacy” — loaning giant pandas to countries as symbols of friendship, goodwill, and soft power engagement — dates back decades. The first pair of pandas arrived in Japan shortly after the normalization of diplomatic relations in 1972. Since then, successive loan agreements brought pandas to Japanese zoos, where they became cultural icons and tourist attractions.
Under the terms of these arrangements, China retains ownership of all pandas even if they are born abroad, and host nations pay annual fees. The tradition has played an important role in animal conservation cooperation as well as public diplomacy.
Worsening Ties and Accelerated Departure
Though the return of the pandas had been scheduled for early 2026 under existing lease agreements, their departure has taken on heightened political significance against the backdrop of deteriorating Japan–China relations. Recent diplomatic strain stems in part from remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi that Japan could respond militarily if China were to attack Taiwan — comments that drew sharp criticism from Beijing and have fueled mutual suspicion.
Chinese officials have reportedly shown little enthusiasm for agreeing to new panda loans while tensions persist, leading to uncertainty over whether giant pandas will return to Japan in the foreseeable future. This impending absence underscores how once-benign cultural exchanges can become casualties of geopolitical friction.
Public Reaction: Sad Farewells and Nostalgia
Reactions across Japan were emotional and reflective. Visitors at Ueno Zoo described the experience of seeing Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei as a cherished tradition, often recounting childhood memories tied to panda visits. Some expressed deep sadness at the imminent absence of the animals, with many fans sharing photos and stories on social media as the twins’ departure approached.
“I feel like seeing pandas can help create a connection with China too, so in that sense I really would like pandas to come back to Japan again,” said one regular zoo visitor. Others focused less on politics and more on the simple affection they felt for the pandas.
Cultural and Economic Impacts
The presence of pandas in Japan has been more than symbolic. For decades, the animals brought substantial economic benefits, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors and supporting zoo revenues through ticket sales, merchandise, and related tourism spending. Analysts estimate that the absence of pandas could reduce annual revenue by tens of billions of yen, affecting local businesses that benefited from panda-driven tourism.
Beyond economics, pandas served as cultural ambassadors linking Japanese and Chinese publics. Their departure leaves a symbolic void — one that may be difficult to fill as broader political and security issues tense the relationship between the neighboring countries.
Diplomacy in the Time of Pandas
The fate of panda diplomacy in Japan now faces uncertainty. In the past, Tokyo’s metropolitan government actively negotiated for replacement pandas, hoping to extend cultural ties and continue conservation cooperation. But with no signs of progress in talks with Beijing, many officials and residents worry that the days of pandas in Japan may be numbered — at least for the foreseeable future.
Observers say the pandas’ return — while technically a routine conclusion of a lease agreement — has become a de facto barometer of the state of Japan–China relations, illustrating how soft power symbols can gain geopolitical meanings in times of tension.
Looking Forward: Beyond the Pandas
As the twins flew back to their native China, Japan was left not only with empty enclosures at Ueno but also with questions about how to navigate a complicated partnership with its powerful neighbor. In Asia’s shifting political landscape, cultural diplomacy — exemplified by the presence of giant pandas — may take new forms or lie dormant until diplomatic winds change.
