Japan will be without pandas in 2026

For the first time since 1972, Japan will be without pandas. This was reported by Zamin.uz.

This was reported by the Nikkei publication. Currently, the country has only two pandas leased from China.

They are the male panda Xiao Xiao and his sister Lei Lei, who will be returned to China in January 2026. The pandas are currently kept at Ueno Zoo in Tokyo.

According to the zoo's information, the initial lease agreement for the pandas was signed in 2011 and was extended for another five years in 2021, until February 20, 2026. However, due to diplomatic tensions between Japan and China, Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei will be returned to China one month earlier than planned.

Ueno Zoo has implemented special measures to facilitate visitors who come to see the pandas. Special viewing areas have been allocated, and the viewing time per person is limited to no more than one minute.

Starting from December 23, entry to the zoo will only be possible by prior registration. The last opportunity to see the pandas will be on January 25, 2026.

Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei were born at Ueno Zoo in 2021. Their parents, pandas Li Li and Shin Shin, were also supposed to remain in Japan until 2026.

However, due to their health and age, they were returned to China in October 2024. More than 2,000 people attended the farewell ceremony for Li Li and Shin Shin.

China is considered the owner of all pandas worldwide, and other countries can only use them on lease. Japan first received pandas from China in 1972.