Japan's last giant pandas to return to China in February

(ECNS) -- The two giant pandas Xiaoxiao and Leilei still in Japan are scheduled to return to China on Feb. 20, 2026, according to the agreement between both countreis. By then, there will be no giant pandas left in Japan.

With just over two months remaining before Xiaoxiao and Leilei return to China by Tuesady, many Japanese residents made special trips to Tokyo's Ueno Zoo, lining up for hours just to catch one last glimpse of the pandas.

Even on weekdays, there are still so many Japanese people coming to see the pandas, a Chinese student studying in Japan said Tuesday, adding that many people come because they know the pandas are going back to China, so they want to see them before they leave.

According to CCTV, the panda boom in recent years has become a major driver of consumption in the Ueno area. Local shops sell hundreds of panda-themed products, including stationery and accessories. It is estimated that Xiaoxiao and Leilei generate over 30 billion yen (about 1.36 billion yuan) in annual economic benefits.

Xiaoxiao and Leilei were born at the Ueno Zoo on June 23, 2021. They are a pair of twins born to the giant pandas Shin Shin and Ri Ri, and they are deeply loved by the Japanese public.

(By Gong Weiwei)