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Last Two Pandas in Japan to Leave for China on Jan. 27
Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei's departure ends Japan's 50-year panda presence amid uncertain future loans due to strained Japan-China relations, with viewing demand 24.6 times over capacity.
- On January 27, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government said Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei will depart Ueno Zoo for China, leaving Japan without pandas for the first time since 1972.
- The Tokyo government said the return date for Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei was set after discussions with the Chinese side, as all giant pandas raised in Japan remain owned by China under loan and ownership arrangements.
- They are scheduled to leave Ueno Zoological Gardens on Jan. 27 and arrive in China on Jan. 28 at a facility housing Xiang Xiang, their elder sister.
- The Ueno zoo limited final viewings to lottery-winning visitors, with demand reaching 24.6 times available slots and one out of about 25 applicants securing a January 25 ticket; giant pandas have historically boosted tourism and economic benefits in Japan.
- Prospects for another panda loan are uncertain amid deteriorating Japan–China relations after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's remarks, though the Tokyo government hopes China will send new pandas following June last year's returns.
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Total News Sources11
Leaning Left1Leaning Right3Center4Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Center
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources are Center
50% Center
13%
C 50%
R 37%
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