Archive · 26 Jan 2026
Japan's Last Pandas Return to China
Japan's last two pandas, Lei Lei and Xiao Xiao, are leaving for China.
They are very popular and have many fans in Japan.
The pandas were born in Japan but are owned by China.
China is sending them back because Japan and China are not getting along very well.
The pandas have been a big part of Japanese culture and their departure will be a big change.
Many people are sad to see them go and hope they can come back someday.
The pandas' absence will also have a big impact on the economy, especially for places that sell panda-related items.
Some people think that if pandas come back to Japan in the future, it might mean that Japan and China are becoming friends again.
Lei Lei and Xiao Xiao, the last pandas in Japan, are returning to China on Tuesday.
Their departure leaves Japan without pandas for the first time in 50 years.
China first sent pandas to Japan in 1972 to mark the normalization of diplomatic ties.
The pandas have been extremely popular, attracting massive crowds despite a one-minute viewing limit.
The absence of pandas is expected to have a significant economic impact, with an annual loss of about 20 billion yen ($128 million).
- Who
- Lei Lei and Xiao Xiao, twin pandas born in 2021 at Ueno Zoo
- What
- Departure of the last pandas in Japan to China
- When
- Departure on Tuesday, last public viewing on Sunday
- Where
- Ueno Zoo in Tokyo, Japan
- Why
- China maintains ownership and Japan-China relations are strained
- Pandas Leaving
- Lei Lei and Xiao Xiao
- Departure Date
- Tuesday
- Last Public Viewing
- Sunday at Ueno Zoo
- First Pandas in Japan
- 1972
- Panda Ownership
- China maintains ownership
- Annual Economic Impact
- 20 billion yen ($128 million)
- Pandas' Age
- 4 years old (twins)
- Reason for Departure
- Strained Japan-China relations
Sources
The Last Two Pandas In Japan Are Leaving For China As Ties Are Strained
Crowds flock to Tokyo zoo to see pandas before they leave for China
Tokyo bids farewell to last pandas as Lei Lei and Xiao Xiao return to China amid souring relations
Goodbye Lei Lei, Xiao Xiao: Japan bids farewell to its last pandas – See pics