## Fifty years of love
On June 28, 2025, the Adventure World theme park (in the prefecture of Wakayama) farewell, tear to the eye, to its four giant pandas, returned “to their homes” in China. japan, a country of fervent lovers of these mammals, now only counts the twins of the Ueno zoo, in Tokyo, whose lease ends in February 2026. Will the country be without pandas for the first time in more than half a century? What is behind this apparent change in Chinese policy, and how should Japan react?
From the post-war period, Beijing got into the habit of offering pandas like “friendship ambassadors” to certain diplomatic partners, to mark special occasions and arouse sympathy towards China. The panda diplomacy with Japan began in 1972, when the Ueno zoo welcomed a giant pandas couple offered to celebrate the normalization of bilateral relations.
In 1984, giant pandas was classified as part of the convention on International Trade in threatened Species (CITES). It was then that China has stopped giving them to start renting them. Since the 1990s, most loans have been in the form of long -term leases, officially intended for research on reproduction and conservation. Very small born during the length of the lease remains the property of the People’s Republic of China. This system made it possible to attract crowds to the Zoo ôji in Kobe, to Adventure World in Wakayama, as well as at the Ueno Zoo.
In 1994, Adventure World inaugurated with China the first international pandas reproduction program in the long term. In three decades, 17 little ones were born.
## An uncertain future
With the end of the 30 -year lease, the four remaining pandas of Adventure World (a mother and her three young) left in China last June.
In the past, Beijing sometimes allowed a littleborn on the spot or an adult remains after the expiration of the lease, thus avoiding a “emptiness”.The simultaneous departure of the four residents of Wakayama thus shocked, even if on a global scale this kind of repatriation is becoming more and more current.
In several countries (Australia, Austria, Spain, United States) new couples arrived in the year following a repatriation, and the collaborations were continued. But no sign suggests an upcoming arrival in Japan. the twins of Ueno (Lei Lei (female) and Xiao Xiao (male)) must leave next year: must Japan resign to a future without pandas?
A “pandamania” took hold of the Ueno zoo on November 5, 1972, when the first giant pandas in Japan, Kang Kang and Lan Lan, were presented to the public. (© jiji)
The question returned to the table last April during discussions in Beijing between Moriyama Hiroshi (secretary general of the PLD and president of the Nippo-Chinese parliamentary league) and Zhao Leji (president of the permanent committee of the National People’s assembly). In June, the former PLD Kôno Yôhei, president of the Japanese association for the promotion of international trade, asked Prime Minister Li Qiang new pandas. On July 11, Moriyama again approached the subject with the Deputy Prime Minister he Lifeng at Osaka Expo 2025, which would have recognized that the pandas were “important for exchanges between peoples”.
However, on May 26, the spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry Mao Ning answered a question about the Wakayama pandas: “we warmly welcome our Japanese friends to come and see them in China.Was it a simple invitation, or a signal indicating the absence of a return project in Japan?
More and more Japanese enthusiasts go to China to satisfy their love of pandas. Beijing could judge needless to lend it again to japan if Japanese tourists flock to China … for the benefit, moreover, of its tourism economy.
## The growing risks of panda diplomacy
Another factor is the rise in concerns around the well-being of pandas,relayed massively on social networks. Beijing must constantly prove his commitment to their protection.
In the early 2020s, photos of Pandas Miser to the Memphis zoo ignited the Chinese canvas. The death of the male in 2023 brought rumors of mistreatment and fueled a certain anti-American feeling. the Chinese goverment had to intervene to calm public anger.More recently, the
The Future of Panda Diplomacy: Japan, China, and a Changing Era
The recent repatriation of giant pandas from Wakayama Adventure World in Japan to China has sparked debate and speculation about the future of “panda diplomacy” between the two nations.While some focus on the economic impact of the pandas’ departure, a deeper understanding of the ancient context, China’s evolving conservation priorities, and Japan’s role in panda research suggests a continued, albeit evolving, relationship.
A History of Friendship: The Panda as Ambassador
For decades, giant pandas have served as unique ambassadors of goodwill from China to countries around the world. These loans, rather than outright gifts, have fostered positive relations and captivated global audiences. Japan, in particular, has a long history with pandas, beginning with the arrival of Ling-Ling and Hsin-Hsin in 1972, a gift following Prime Minister Kakuei Tanaka’s historic visit to China – the first by a Japanese leader since the founding of the People’s Republic of China. https://www.nippon.com/en/in-depth/d00644/ Subsequent loans, like those to Wakayama Adventure World, have continued this tradition, with generations of Japanese citizens forming strong emotional connections with the animals. China is likely aware of this deep affection and would be hesitant to damage the panda’s image as a symbol of friendship.
China’s Shifting priorities: Conservation First
However, China’s approach to panda loans is changing. Increasingly,Beijing emphasizes the conservation of pandas within their natural habitat. This shift reflects growing domestic and international pressure to prioritize the well-being of the species and its ecosystem. In May 2023, China announced it would end its decades-long panda loan program, bringing all pandas currently abroad back to China. https://www.reuters.com/world/china/china-will-bring-all-pandas-loaned-abroad-home-2023-05-25/ This doesn’t necessarily signal an end to cooperation, but rather a recalibration of its terms.
the repatriation of pandas like Liangbin and Eimei from Wakayama Adventure World is part of this broader strategy. It allows China to consolidate its breeding programs and focus on reintroduction efforts within China. The fact that China hasn’t fully closed the door to future loans suggests a willingness to continue panda diplomacy, but under stricter conditions that prioritize conservation.
Japan’s Role and the Importance of Scientific collaboration
Japanese parliamentarians who have cultivated pro-china relationships have expressed interest in securing future panda loans. Their efforts are politically sensitive, and their credibility is tied to success. China understands this dynamic and likely seeks the opportune moment to offer another loan, maintaining goodwill with key political figures.
Though, Japan must adapt its approach. recent media coverage focusing on the economic impact of the pandas’ departure risks portraying Japan’s interest as purely financial.This narrative clashes with China’s stated conservation goals and could jeopardize future negotiations. rather, Japan should emphasize its decades of scientific research on giant pandas, including advancements in breeding, veterinary care, and reintroduction techniques. https://www.adventureworld.jp/en/panda/research/
For years, Japan has successfully separated the political and economic aspects of panda cooperation from animal welfare and conservation. Maintaining this focus, and demonstrating a commitment to contributing to the long-term survival of the species, is crucial. Local governments hoping to host pandas in the future are already recognizing this need and are working to reframe the public discourse.
A Mutually Beneficial Future
the use of pandas as “ambassadors” has historically been a gracious exchange, with loans accepted gratefully by recipient countries. Accusations of political manipulation are unproductive. If a country is uncomfortable with the terms of a loan, it retains the right to decline.
Ultimately, the future of panda diplomacy hinges on a shared commitment to conservation. China’s evolving priorities reflect a growing recognition of its responsibility to protect this iconic species. Japan, with its extensive research and dedicated care programs, is well-positioned to be a valuable partner in these efforts. By focusing on scientific collaboration and demonstrating a genuine commitment to panda welfare, Japan can ensure a continued role in this unique and important relationship.
(Title photo: Liangbin giant panda, during its last day of public exhibition at Adventure World, June 27, 2025, before its repatriation in China. jiji)