• Two giant pandas, Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei, are leaving Japan for China, ending a 51-year presence in the country.
• Public viewing at Ueno Zoo attracted overwhelming interest, with 24.6 times the number of tickets available.
• The departure is seen against the backdrop of deteriorating China-Japan relations due to recent political tensions.

On January 25, 2023, fans gathered at Ueno Zoo in Tokyo to bid farewell to two giant pandas, Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei, prior to their departure for China, marking the end of panda presence in Japan since 1972. "I’ve been coming since the parents of Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei were here," remarked Machiko Seki, a finance worker, reflecting on the emotional significance of this farewell, which is viewed as the closing chapter of a familial story intertwined with a historical bond between the nations, according to South China Morning Post, Channel News Asia, and Reuters.

The twins' planned move highlights recent tensions in China-Japan relations, particularly following statements by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding possible military responses to Chinese actions concerning Taiwan. Beijing reacted strongly to these comments, adding a layer of political complexity to the charming narrative surrounding the pandas, as many visitors set aside these concerns to focus on the moment, according to South China Morning Post, Channel News Asia, and Reuters.

Visitors to the zoo had to obtain tickets through a lottery system, with applicants significantly outnumbering available slots, specifically 24.6 times. Even those without reserved spots came to the zoo, hoping to share the last moments with the beloved pandas. One visitor expressed her sentiment, saying, "I came here today because I wanted to breathe the same air as the pandas," showcasing the deep affection the public harbors for these animals, according to South China Morning Post, Channel News Asia, and Reuters.