Farewell at Ueno Zoo
On 27 January, strong emotions filled Ueno Zoological Gardens in Tokyo as crowds came to say goodbye to panda twins Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei. The two pandas left Japan for China, leaving the country without any giant pandas for the first time in nearly 50 years. Many visitors wore panda-themed clothes or carried soft toys. Some waved from a distance, while others hoped to see the twins again in China. According to sources, fans quietly cheered as the pandas were prepared for departure.
Crowds and Reservations
When Japan announced that the twins would return to China, visitor numbers at Ueno Zoo rose sharply. To manage the crowd, the zoo introduced an online reservation system. On the last public day, each visitor could spend only about one minute with the pandas.
Long lines formed outside, but most people patiently waited to see the beloved animals. According to a video, visitors quietly took photos and waved as the twins rested inside their enclosure.
Fans Show Love and Devotion
Noriko Tezuka, a Tokyo resident, carried a backpack full of panda plush toys. She said she just wanted to feel close to Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei by being there, even if she could not see them clearly. Many fans shared her feelings. For years, the twins were not only zoo animals but also part of daily life, memories, and joy for Tokyo residents.
Journey to China
In the afternoon, the pandas were moved from Ueno Zoo to Narita International Airport, where they were scheduled to fly to China later that night. They are expected to arrive in Sichuan province, where their mother, Xian Nyu, and elder sister, Xiang Xiang, live.
This move marks the last step in Japan’s panda conservation program with China, which has included more than 30 pandas either born in Japan or sent on loan.
Diplomatic and Cultural Significance
At a Beijing press briefing on 23 January, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun confirmed the pandas’ journey. He invited Japanese visitors to see pandas in China.
Since the first pandas arrived in Japan in 1972, they have been a symbol of friendship and cultural exchange. Experts say the pandas have boosted not only public interest in wildlife but also cooperation in breeding, veterinary care, and education.
Economic and Local Impact
Panda-themed toys, snacks, and souvenirs have long been popular around Ueno. Shops and streets launched promotions after the twins’ departure announcement. Toshimitsu Doi, former director of Ueno Zoo, said pandas increased zoo visits and positively affected the local economy. Professor Miyamoto Katsuhiro estimated that the absence of pandas could cost the area at least 15.4 billion yen annually. Such popular pandas cause some pleasant memories and unforgettable cultural and financial influence on Tokyo.
Watch the video here:
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