Japan-born giant panda twins make debut in China after repatriation

Shanghai, Sichuan Province (Kyodo) - Two Japan-born giant panda twins, Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei, made their public debut in southwestern China on Tuesday, marking their return to the country after eight months. The sisters, born at Tokyo's Ueno Zoological Gardens in June 2021, had been part of a loan agreement that expired in January.

This makes Japan panda-less for the first time since 1972. The twins were displayed at the Ya'an Base of the China Conservation and Research Center for Giant Panda, situated in an area considered part of the bears' natural habitat. Takahiro Takauji, a Japanese blogger who frequently posted about the pandas while they were in Japan, expressed anticipation for their return, noting that giant pandas typically go on display six months post-return.

A visitor from Japan's Saitama Prefecture, who frequently visits China to see pandas, said she felt relieved about their public debut and plans to visit them in person. The bears' return was part of a conservation agreement, but prospects for new panda loans have become uncertain due to diplomatic tensions. Earlier this year, Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi made remarks that angered China, suggesting Tokyo might aid the U.S. in case of an attack on Taiwan, a self-ruled island claimed by Beijing.