Posted on 01/26/2026 10:34:25 PM PST by nickcarraway
The distinctive black-and-white animals, loaned out as part of China's "panda diplomacy", have symbolised friendship between Beijing and Tokyo since they normalised diplomatic ties in 1972.
Two popular pandas are set to leave Tokyo for China on Tuesday (Jan 27), leaving Japan without any of the beloved bears for the first time in 50 years as ties between the Asian neighbours fray.
Panda twins Lei Lei and Xiao Xiao were transported by truck out of Ueno Zoological Gardens, their birthplace, disappointing many Japanese fans who have grown attached to the furry four-year-olds. "Although I can't see them, I came to share the same air with them and to say, 'Hope you'll be OK,'" one woman visiting the zoo told public broadcaster NHK.
The pandas' abrupt return was announced last month during a diplomatic spat that began when Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi hinted that Tokyo could intervene militarily in the event of an attack on Taiwan.
(Excerpt) Read more at channelnewsasia.com ...
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Canada has arranged to receive a Pooh bear in exchange for its national dignity.
Panda-free finally! Japan saves 1M on lease per panda per year plus top notch housing, food, and medical care. They should just make some AI pandas and won’t have to lease them again in the future.
AI pandas?
[Japan’s Beloved Last Pandas Leave for China as Ties Fray]
By Express?
To Go?
Are they Sexual Harassment Pandas?
L
They were born in Japan!
Why they are not Japanese?
Forget slaughters of Iranians, I’m crying over this!
Some merchants will miss the money they spend. Other tourists and many locals won't miss their rudeness. It is legendary. I've seen it with my own eyes-- rushing and crowding into elevators, littering and spitting. . . just for starters.
All panda are Chinese.
China own all panda.
Where is the WWF on this?
What about PETA?
Celebrities?
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