Panda fans flock to Tokyo zoo after Japan announces twins' end-of-era return to China

Thousands of fans flocked to Tokyo's Ueno Zoo for a final glimpse of Japan's last two giant pandas. The four-year-old twins, Xiaoxiao and Lele, are set to return to China at the end of January, ahead of a February 20 deadline. The announcement on Monday that the pandas would leave Japan stirred nationwide disappointment, with visitors queuing from early Tuesday morning, many wearing panda-themed hats and carrying bags to bid farewell to the beloved animals. Born at Ueno Zoo in June 2021, the twins became a major attraction after their parents returned to China last year. Once they leave, Japan will be panda-less for the first time since 1972. As part of China's panda diplomacy, giant pandas are often loaned to other nations, with cubs returning home after the loan agreement ends. Xiaoxiao and Lele's departure is therefore both planned and symbolic, coming amid tensions between Japan and China over recent political remarks. To manage the crowds, Ueno Zoo has limited viewing at the panda pavilion to one minute per visitor, and will require online reservations starting next week, with a lottery system in place for the final 12 days before the twins' departure on January 25.