Tokyo, Japan — For the past several years, the giant panda enclosure at Tokyo’s Ueno Zoo has been a place of joy, wonder, and national adoration. This week, that chapter came to a poignant close as Xiang Xiang, Japan’s last resident panda, departed for China, marking the end of an era that has captivated the Japanese public for decades.
The air at Ueno Zoo was thick with emotion as long lines of visitors—many wearing panda-themed hats and carrying plush toys—waited for one final glimpse. Some shed quiet tears; others took countless photos, hoping to preserve the memory. For these fans, the pandas were more than just animals; they were beloved national treasures, symbols of gentle diplomacy, and sources of immeasurable comfort.
A Legacy of Panda Diplomacy
Japan’s panda story began in 1972, following the normalization of Sino-Japanese relations, when China gifted two giant pandas, Kang Kang and Lan Lan, to Ueno Zoo. Their arrival caused a national sensation, drawing over 30 million visitors in the first year alone and sparking Japan’s first “Panda Boom.” For a nation recovering from postwar struggles, the pandas offered a symbol of peace and a bridge to a once-inaccessible culture.
Over the following 50 years, successive panda pairs—most famously, the male Ri Ri and female Shin Shin, and their cub Xiang Xiang—became cultural icons. They starred in documentaries, inspired countless merchandise lines, and were featured in news segments tracking everything from mating seasons to cub births. The birth of Xiang Xiang in 2017 was a national event, with her name chosen by public vote and her growth milestones celebrated like royal occasions.
Xiang Xiang: The “Fragrant” Star
Xiang Xiang, whose name means “fragrance” or “auspiciousness,” was particularly special. Born and raised in Japan, she was the first cub at Ueno Zoo to survive into adulthood in nearly three decades. Her playful antics—tumbling in the snow, climbing trees with determined clumsiness, and lounging with bamboo—were broadcast live on “Panda Cam” and watched by millions, especially during the isolating years of the pandemic.
“For many of us, watching Xiang Xiang was a daily ritual,” shared Yuki Tanaka, a 45-year-old office worker who visited the zoo for the final farewell. “During the lockdowns, she was a source of calm and happiness. She felt like a friend.”
The Science and Sentiment Behind the Departure
The departure is not a sudden severance but part of a standard international agreement. Most pandas abroad are on loan from China under conservation and research programs, with cubs born overseas required to return by age four to participate in China’s breeding program. This ensures genetic diversity for the vulnerable species, which remains classified as “Vulnerable” with around 1,800 in the wild.
While fans understand the scientific necessity, the emotional weight is undeniable. The zoo set up special farewell message boards, quickly covered in handwritten notes, drawings, and well-wishes. “Thank you for the smiles,” read one. “Be happy in China,” said another, adorned with a carefully drawn panda face.
More Than Just Animals: Pandas as Cultural Phenomena
The pandas’ impact extends far beyond zoo gates. They have been woven into the fabric of Japanese kawaii (cute) culture. Tokyo’s Nakamise shopping street is lined with shops selling panda manjū (steamed buns), keychains, and apparel. Special panda-themed trains, cafe collaborations, and even limited-edition Pepsi cans have marked their presence.
Economists have coined the term “panda effect” to describe the significant boost in tourism and local revenue the animals generate. Ueno Zoo’s annual attendance routinely surpasses 3 million, with spikes surrounding panda-related events.
Looking to the Future
The empty enclosure in Ueno now represents both an end and a potential beginning. Japanese and Chinese authorities have expressed mutual interest in future cooperation, hinting that new panda diplomacy agreements could be reached. For now, however, Japan is without its iconic black-and-white ambassadors.
As the special transport crate containing Xiang Xiang was carefully loaded, a final collective sigh swept through the crowd. It was a goodbye to a singular animal and to a constant, gentle presence in the nation’s life.
The legacy of Japan’s pandas is one of cross-cultural connection, conservation education, and pure, uncomplicated joy. As one elderly visitor, who had seen every panda since 1972, told reporters with a wistful smile: “They taught us about caring for nature and about friendship between countries. We will miss them terribly, but we are so grateful. Thank you, and safe travels, Xiang Xiang.”
The pandas may be gone, but the memories—fragrant with happiness and goodwill—will undoubtedly linger for generations to come.
Jerry