Giant Pandas Leave Japanese Zoo for China

Japan is now without giant pandas after two beloved pandas left Tokyo for China in January 2026. The twin pandas, Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei, were born at Ueno Zoo in 2021 and became very popular with visitors.

On January 27, hundreds of fans gathered outside the zoo to watch them leave. Their departure marks the end of more than 50 years of giant pandas in Japan.

The Pandas’ Final Days at Ueno Zoo

Before they left, many people visited Ueno Zoo to see Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei one last time. Because so many fans wanted to come, the zoo limited viewing times and needed reservations. Long lines formed each day as families waited patiently in the winter cold. Some visitors said they had watched the twins grow up over the past four years. Others brought their children so they could remember seeing Japan’s last pandas.

Zoo staff also shared mixed feelings about the departure. Ueno Zoo’s director said he felt thankful for the happiness the pandas brought to people. At the same time, he admitted feeling sad to see them go. Many adults remembered visiting pandas at Ueno Zoo when they were children. This long history made the goodbye even more meaningful. The moment showed how important pandas have been to the zoo and its visitors.

Why the Pandas Returned to China

Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei were always expected to return to China. Giant pandas in other countries are usually on loan from China. Even if pandas are born overseas, they still belong to China. When the loan period ends, they are sent back. The twins’ parents had already returned to China in 2024. Their return was in accordance with the terms of the “panda loan agreement”.

After leaving Tokyo, the twins arrived at a panda research and breeding center in Sichuan Province. There, they will go through a short quarantine period. Experts will monitor their health and help them adjust to their new home. The center focuses on protecting and increasing the panda population. Giant pandas are still considered a vulnerable species, so breeding programs remain important.

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A Symbol of Friendship Between Nations

Giant pandas first came to Japan in 1972. They arrived after China and Japan normalized diplomatic relations. Since then, pandas have been seen as symbols of friendship between the two countries. Over the years, several pandas lived at Ueno Zoo and became major attractions. Many people traveled from across Japan just to see them. Because of this history, the twins’ departure feels like the end of an important chapter.

China’s practice of lending pandas is often called “panda diplomacy.” Countries that receive pandas usually sign long-term agreements with China. These agreements can reflect friendly political ties. Relations between Japan and China have recently been strained over regional security issues. At the moment, there are no announced plans for new pandas to come to Japan.

The Impact on Japan

Pandas have been one of Ueno Zoo’s biggest attractions for decades. They helped increase visitor numbers and supported nearby businesses. Restaurants and souvenir shops often sell panda-themed goods. Without pandas, the zoo may see changes in attendance. Officials are now thinking about new ways to attract visitors. Other animals and special events may help fill the gap.

For many people, however, the biggest impact is emotional. The twins were born in Japan and grew up in the public eye. Many fans followed their progress through photos and news updates. Watching them leave felt like saying goodbye to old friends. Even though they now live in China, their time in Japan remains special to many people. Their story shows how animals can connect people across borders.

What does the departure of Japan’s last giant pandas mean?

Why did Japan’s last giant pandas leave, and why does their departure matter so much? The twins returned to China because of standard panda loan agreements between the two countries. Their move supports breeding and conservation programs in China. At the same time, their departure marks the end of more than 50 years of pandas living in Japan. For many people, this moment feels larger than a simple zoo transfer.

The departure also highlights how pandas are connected to diplomacy and public emotion. Giant pandas have long symbolized friendship between China and Japan. When they arrived in 1972, they represented a new stage in international relations. Over time, they became cultural icons and major attractions at Ueno Zoo.

Now that Japan has no giant pandas, people are reflecting on what they represented. The story of Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei shows how animals can connect history, politics, and personal memories. Did you see Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei at Ueno Zoo? What was your experience like? Let us know in the comments below!