Tokyo's Ueno Zoo is bracing for the departure of two giant panda cubs that have been at home since 2021. The twin pandas, born in China but raised by Japanese zookeepers, will leave Japan next week, sparking a mix of sadness and frustration among fans who had grown attached to their adorable antics.
The pandas' departure marks a significant shift in the relationship between Japan and China, with Beijing calling for a retraction of comments made by Japan's prime minister about Taiwan. The tension has led to a sharp decline in Chinese tourism to Japan, and several cultural exchanges have been cancelled or postponed.
For fans who had secured tickets to bid farewell to the pandas through an online lottery, emotions are running high. Many expressed disappointment that their love affair with giant pandas is coming to an end, at least for now. "It's such a shame this is the last time I'll be able to see them," said one visitor from nearby Saitama prefecture.
The panda's symbolic role in boosting ties between Japan and China has been called into question by experts. "Giant pandas function mainly as symbols of Sino-Japanese friendship rather than as drivers of bilateral relations," noted Prof Rumi Aoyama, an expert on Japan-China relations at Waseda University in Tokyo. "Their presence here doesn't in itself advance ties, and nor does their return to China undermine them."
The prospect of the pandas being sent back is a bitter pill for fans to swallow. In 1992, the first giant panda to be loaned by China died after living at Ueno Zoo for nearly two decades. Since then, Japan has hosted over 30 pandas from China, with over 7.6 million people flocking to Ueno Zoo in 2001 when Kang Kang and Lan Lan arrived.
However, this week's comments made by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi about Taiwan have pushed the relationship between Japan and China to new lows. Her refusal to back down has raised concerns that there will be no resumption of panda diplomacy anytime soon. "I don't expect (Takaichi) to take any action before the election," said Prof Aoyama.
The pandas' departure marks a significant shift in the relationship between Japan and China, with Beijing calling for a retraction of comments made by Japan's prime minister about Taiwan. The tension has led to a sharp decline in Chinese tourism to Japan, and several cultural exchanges have been cancelled or postponed.
For fans who had secured tickets to bid farewell to the pandas through an online lottery, emotions are running high. Many expressed disappointment that their love affair with giant pandas is coming to an end, at least for now. "It's such a shame this is the last time I'll be able to see them," said one visitor from nearby Saitama prefecture.
The panda's symbolic role in boosting ties between Japan and China has been called into question by experts. "Giant pandas function mainly as symbols of Sino-Japanese friendship rather than as drivers of bilateral relations," noted Prof Rumi Aoyama, an expert on Japan-China relations at Waseda University in Tokyo. "Their presence here doesn't in itself advance ties, and nor does their return to China undermine them."
The prospect of the pandas being sent back is a bitter pill for fans to swallow. In 1992, the first giant panda to be loaned by China died after living at Ueno Zoo for nearly two decades. Since then, Japan has hosted over 30 pandas from China, with over 7.6 million people flocking to Ueno Zoo in 2001 when Kang Kang and Lan Lan arrived.
However, this week's comments made by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi about Taiwan have pushed the relationship between Japan and China to new lows. Her refusal to back down has raised concerns that there will be no resumption of panda diplomacy anytime soon. "I don't expect (Takaichi) to take any action before the election," said Prof Aoyama.
I feel kinda bad for all the fans who are gonna miss seeing those adorable pandas 
, but on a more positive note, it's actually a great opportunity for Japan and China to re-evaluate their relationship 
. Like, what if this is just a wake-up call for Japan to be more diplomatic about Taiwan? 
We could use some fresh perspectives around the table, right? 
And can we talk about how awesome it is that 7.6 million people showed up to see Kang Kang and Lan Lan back in the day? 
That's some serious panda love! 
This could be a chance for Japan to prove it's still down for some friendly panda diplomacy 
I cant believe its coming 2 an end... I was really looking forward 2 see those adorable lil cubs one more time 
. It's such a shame 
. The way things r going between Japan & China rn is crazy 
. First pandas leave, then Taiwan thing comes up... it's like they r 2 different issues but somehow rnt 
. I mean, the prof says giant pandas r mostly symbols of friendship lol what does that even mean? 
It's like when you've finally mastered a new skill or found your perfect coffee spot – you don't want it to be taken away from you! 
The thought of those cubs being sent back is really depressing 
.
. I mean, did anyone see the adorable panda selfies they took at Ueno Zoo? Those were really cute 
. Oh, great, because that's exactly what we need more of – expert opinions 
. Can't we just enjoy the pandas for who they are: cuddly, adorable, and amazing? 
I'm so bummed they're leaving Japan, those little guys stole hearts 
The fact that their departure is linked to the tension between Japan and China is just sad. Can't we all just get along and have our pandas? 
. And it's not just the Japanese side that's affected – Chinese tourists have been skipping Japan left and right due to the tension. 
That would be a tragedy!
... i guess that's just how politics works now. anyway, gotta respect the pandas for being a good diplomatic gesture even if it is a bit shallow 
. That way everyone would've been happy again 
.
. guess we'll just have to wait and see when the pandas will be back 
it's crazy how fast things can change. 
The pandas' departure is a shame 
. the panda diplomacy thingy was always a bit symbolic, as prof aoyama said... not like it was gonna fix everything between japan & china or what