National media widely cover the news that four-year-old twins Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei will be sent to China at the end of January, three weeks earlier than expected — the previously scheduled date was February 20. Although their move was planned in advance, this event has become significant for Tokyo, especially against the backdrop of deteriorating bilateral relations between Japan and China due to current geopolitical circumstances.
Crowds of people are flocking to Ueno Zoo in Tokyo to say goodbye to their beloved twins. Television cameras captured long lines where visitors wearing hats with panda images and holding stuffed animals have been queuing since early morning.
In response to the influx of visitors, the zoo has implemented time restrictions for viewing the pandas, reducing it to one minute. This measure will be in effect until January 25, when Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei leave Ueno. Additionally, starting next week, prior online booking will be required for visits, and for the last 12 days, the zoo will conduct a lottery for those wishing to attend viewing sessions.
Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei were born at the zoo in June 2021 and attracted public attention, especially after their parents left Tokyo last year. This event means that Japan will be without pandas for the first time since 1972, when diplomatic relations with China were restored.
