Japan's final two giant pandas departed Tokyo's Ueno Zoo on Wednesday morning, January 28, 2026, concluding over five decades of panda diplomacy between China and Japan. The animals' return to the Chinese mainland marks a symbolic shift in cultural exchanges that began in the 1970s.
Zoo officials described an emotional farewell ceremony attended by hundreds of visitors, with many Japanese families sharing stories of multigenerational panda viewings. The pair's departure follows recent bilateral agreements on wildlife conservation and follows standard procedures under China's international panda loan program.
Chinese conservation experts emphasize this transition allows for new opportunities in joint ecological research. "Panda diplomacy remains a vital bridge for international cooperation," stated Dr. Li Wei from the China Wildlife Conservation Association. "We're currently discussing next-generation partnerships that align with 2026's global biodiversity targets."
While no new panda loans to Japan have been announced this year, analysts note ongoing discussions about potential future exchanges. The return coincides with renewed focus on cross-strait environmental initiatives, including Taiwan region's recent participation in Asian wildlife protection forums.
