Japan’s Last Giant Pandas to Leave After 50 Years of Panda Diplomacy
Japan will soon lose its last two giant pandas, marking the first time in 50 years that the country has none. The decision follows China’s refusal to extend their stay, amid worsening relations between the two nations. Lei Lei and Xiao Xiao, the final pair at Tokyo’s Ueno Zoo, will return to China in January.
The pandas were originally gifted to Japan in 1972 as part of China’s 'panda diplomacy'. Their presence symbolised friendship between the two nations for decades. However, tensions have grown in recent years, leading to Beijing’s decision not to renew the loan.
The pandas will leave Ueno Zoo in late January, ending Japan’s half-century of hosting them. Their return reflects broader shifts in China-Japan relations. Without new agreements, the country will no longer have pandas in its zoos.
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