Tokyo: Japan's last two giant pandas, Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei, currently residing in Tokyo's Ueno Zoo, are slated to be returned to China in late January, as announced by the Tokyo metropolitan government. These male-female twin pandas, born at the zoo in 2021, have become the only remaining giant pandas in Japan.
According to Philippines News Agency, an agreement between the Tokyo government and the China Wildlife Conservation Association requires the twins to be handed over to China, which retains ownership of all giant pandas globally, by February 2026. The final opportunity for the public to view Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei at the zoo is scheduled for January 25, with their return expected between January 26 and 31. Visitors wishing to see them will need to make advance reservations starting December 23.
The Tokyo metropolitan government has requested a new pair of pandas from China, although it remains uncertain if this request will be fulfilled. Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara highlighted the role of pandas in improving public sentiment between Japan and China, expressing hopes for continued exchanges. Kihara noted the affection many have for Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei and wished them well in China.
The twins' departure marks the end of over 50 years of panda conservation efforts in Japan, which began in 1972 with the arrival of the first pandas, Kang Kang and Lan Lan, at Ueno Zoo. Despite periods without pandas in Tokyo, other zoos in Japan, such as Adventure World in Wakayama, have continued panda-related projects. However, Wakayama's zoo returned its last pandas to China in June, leaving Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei as Japan's final pandas.
Local sentiment reflects a mix of sadness and acceptance. A fishery goods store owner near Ueno Zoo described the twins as "a symbol" of the area, while a worker at a nearby izakaya pub expressed hope for improved Japan-China relations and the return of pandas. A mother visiting the zoo with her young daughter expressed a desire for her child to see the pandas before their departure, highlighting the pandas' popularity and the long lines often associated with viewing them.
