‘I lost part of my heart’: last of Japan’s pandas leave for China as ties fray
Thousands visit zoo in Tokyo to say farewell to Lei Lei and Xiao Xiao as China ends ‘panda diplomacy’ with JapanHundreds of people have gathered to say farewell to two popular pandas departing Tokyo for China, leaving Japan without any of the beloved bears for the first time in 50 years, as...
<p>Thousands visit zoo in Tokyo to say farewell to Lei Lei and Xiao Xiao as China ends ‘panda diplomacy’ with Japan</p><p>Hundreds of people have gathered to say farewell to two popular pandas departing Tokyo for China, leaving Japan without any of the beloved bears for the first time in 50 years, as ties between the Asian neighbours fray.</p><p>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.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jan/27/last-of-japan-pandas-leave-china">Continue reading...</a>
Read the full article at:
The Guardian World →