'Xiaoxiao and Leilei' Leave Japan in Tears... Pandas Disappear After 54 Years

Xiaoxiao and Leilei of Ueno Zoo Head to China

The pandas, which first set foot on Japanese soil in 1972 as a symbol of the normalization of diplomatic relations between China and Japan, have all disappeared after 54 years. This comes as the last pair of twin pandas at Tokyo’s Ueno Zoo were returned to China on January 27.

The Yomiuri Shimbun reported that the twin pandas, Xiaoxiao (male) and Leilei (female), who were born and raised at Ueno Zoo in Tokyo, left their beloved zoo on the afternoon of the same day to travel to China. According to the zoo, veterinarians conducted health checks on January 26, and both pandas were reported to be in good health, enjoying bamboo as usual.

Panda Leilei Leaving for China. Yonhap News

The zoo ended public viewing of the twin pandas on January 25. On the day of their departure, hundreds of fans gathered inside and outside the zoo from early morning to bid farewell to the pandas heading for China.

According to the zoo, the pandas became agitated during transport, so tranquilizers were administered, which delayed their departure by about 15 minutes from the original schedule. The pandas were transported by truck to Narita Airport and were scheduled to depart for China on a chartered flight that night. They are expected to arrive at the Giant Panda Conservation and Research Center in Sichuan Province, China, on the morning of January 28, where they will begin a new chapter of their lives.

The twin pandas at Ueno Zoo were born in June 2021 to father Lili and mother Xinxin. Previously, their older sister Xiangxiang returned to China in February 2023, and their parents, Lili and Xinxin, also returned to China in September 2024 due to health issues and old age. Ownership of the twin pandas belongs to China.

In June of last year, the four pandas at Adventure World in Wakayama Prefecture were returned to China, leaving only Xiaoxiao and Leilei in Japan. With their departure, there are now no pandas remaining in Japan.

The original loan period was until February of this year, but it was reportedly moved up by one month through bilateral consultations. The change is believed to have been influenced by escalating tensions between Japan and China following remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding a possible Taiwan contingency last year.