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July 24, 2026
 

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PANDAS

Meiji's Hello Panda chocolate cookies are displayed for sale at a store in Manhattan in April.
BUSINESS / Companies
May 12, 2026
Hello Panda: A globally loved snack Japan said goodbye to in 1989
While Meiji struggled in Japan to sell its crunchy, chocolate-filled biscuit snacks first introduced in 1987, Hello Panda had a completely different trajectory overseas.
A worker operates a forklift as giant pandas Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei arrive from Japan at Bifengxia Panda Base in Yaan, China, on Wednesday.
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Jan 28, 2026
Japan-born pandas Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei arrive home in China
The panda¡¯s journey coincided with a low point in Sino-Japanese relations over Taiwan.
Staff members see off a truck transporting twin pandas Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei as they depart from Ueno Zoo in Tokyo on Tuesday for their planned return to China.
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Jan 27, 2026
Last two pandas in Japan leave for China
There may be a long absence of pandas in Japan, which have served as a symbol of the two countries¡¯ friendship, pundits say.
Visitors flock to see four-year-old female giant panda Lei Lei at Ueno Zoo in Tokyo on Sunday, the last viewing day before her planned return to China.
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Jan 25, 2026
Crowds flock to Tokyo zoo to see pandas before they leave for China
The departure of four-year-old twins Xiao ?Xiao and ?Lei Lei leaves Japan without pandas for the ?first time since 1972.
The reflection of one of Ueno Zoo¡¯s twin pandas is seen at their enclosure. The animals¡¯ popularity has prompted concern among local businesses that their departure could hurt foot traffic in surrounding neighborhoods.
51³Ô¹ÏÍø / Society / Longform
Jan 23, 2026
What happens when the pandas leave Ueno?
The return of Ueno Zoo¡¯s last giant pandas underscores how an animal became a diplomatic symbol ¡ª and what happens when that symbol is withdrawn.
The only remaining giant pandas in Japan, Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei of Tokyo's Ueno Zoo, are scheduled to be transported by aircraft from Narita International Airport in Chiba Prefecture on the night of Jan. 27, according to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.
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Jan 20, 2026
Last two pandas in Japan to leave for China on Jan. 27
All giant pandas raised in Japan are on loan from China for breeding research purposes, with ownership remaining with China, including for pandas born in Japan.
A newly identified amphipod species, Melita pandina, announced in November
51³Ô¹ÏÍø
Jan 13, 2026
Amphipod species with panda-like coloring discovered in Wakayama
Some in the prefecture hope the creatures will be a new local tourism resource after four giant pandas raised at a leisure facility in Shirahama, were returned to China last year.
Visitors take photos of Lei Lei at Tokyo¡¯s Ueno Zoo on Tuesday.
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Dec 16, 2025
Panda fans throng Ueno Zoo to bid farewell to Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei
Visitors stood in line for hours to catch one last glimpse of the two remaining pandas in Japan ahead of their return to China in January.
Twin giant pandas Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei at Ueno Zoological Gardens in Tokyo in June 2023. They are expected to be sent back to China by the end of January.
51³Ô¹ÏÍø
Dec 15, 2025
Amid China tensions, Japan will lose its two remaining pandas
Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei, two twin giant pandas at the Ueno Zoological Gardens, are expected to be returned to China by the end of January.
A polar bear at Ueno Zoo in Tokyo on Thursday. The Arctic animals are among the most vulnerable species to Japan's scorching summer heat and zookeepers have to take a number of precautions in order to keep them safe.
ENVIRONMENT / Wildlife / OUR PLANET
Aug 31, 2025
How Tokyo¡¯s Ueno Zoo helps their animals cope with extreme heat
From limiting their time outdoors to serving frozen food, the staff at Ueno Zoo take a number of measures to help the animals cope with the heat.
Fans bid fareweel to the four pandas residing at Adventure World in Wakyama Prefecture on Friday, their last viewing day before being returned to China on Saturday.
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Jun 27, 2025
Fans bid farewell to four pandas in Kansai ahead of return to China
Rauhin, 24, and her three daughters ¡ª 8-year-old Yuihin, 6-year-old Saihin and 4-year-old Fuhin ¡ª will be transferred to China on Saturday.
Fuhin, one of the giant pandas at Adventure World in Wakayama Prefecture, when she was a baby
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Apr 30, 2025
Chinese official positive about new giant panda contract with Japan
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said Tuesday that Beijing welcomes Japan¡¯s continued interest in international cooperation on giant panda conservation.
Giant panda Rauhin at Adventure World in Wakayama Prefecture. She and her three daughters are expected to be sent to China in June.
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Apr 25, 2025
All four giant pandas at western Japan zoo to be sent to China
If no new additions join the zoo, Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei at Tokyo¡¯s Ueno Zoo would be the only remaining giant pandas housed in Japan.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom stands with Chinese Ambassador to the United States Xie Feng at an event welcoming pandas to the San Diego Zoo on Aug. 8. American intelligence agencies have warned of influence operations targeting city halls and statehouses. But what's in it for Beijing?
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics
Dec 22, 2024
As China seeks influence, it has a cuddly way into city hall: pandas
Records and interviews show that Beijing has used pandas as leverage to shape policy on Taiwan and to cultivate relationships with local U.S. politicians.
Visitors take photos of Shin Shin at Ueno zoo in Tokyo on Saturday. Saturday was the last chance for Japan's panda-lovers to see Shin Shin and Ri Ri before their return to China.
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Sep 29, 2024
Japan¡¯s legions of panda-lovers bid farewell to beloved pair in Tokyo
Avid fans of the pandas congregated outside Ueno zoo overnight to secure a spot in line to see the pair for one minute each.
People watch the male giant panda Ri Ri at Tokyo's Ueno Zoo in June 2017.
51³Ô¹ÏÍø
Aug 31, 2024
Panda pair in Tokyo to return to China
The elderly pandas Ri Ri and Shin Shin will be returned to China next month for medical care.
Giant panda Lei Lei at Ueno Zoo in Tokyo's Taito Ward on May 20
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Jun 17, 2024
Clock ticking for transfer of Tokyo giant panda cub twins to China
The likelihood of the transfer is expected to rise when the twins ¡ª who turn 3 on June 23 ¡ª reach an age at which they can breed.
Tan Tan was supposed to be sent back to China in 2020, but her return was delayed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
51³Ô¹ÏÍø / Society
Apr 1, 2024
Japan¡¯s oldest panda, Tan Tan, dies at 28
The giant panda leased from China lived in Kobe Oji Zoo for 24 years as a symbol of recovery from the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake.
A giant panda at the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington during one of its last days on American soil. Pandas Tian Tian, Mei Xiang and Xiao Qi Ji were returned to China on Nov. 8 upon Beijing's request.
COMMENTARY / World
Nov 14, 2023
Pandas don¡¯t play diplomatic hard ball like China does
Panda diplomacy is endangered, with the forced return of three bears from Washington to China an exercise in ¡°dumb power.¡±
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Jun 23, 2023
Tokyo¡¯s twin giant pandas turn 2
Many fans flocked to Ueno Zoo even before opening time to celebrate the twin cubs¡¯ birthday.
Japan scientists identify clusters of protein believed to trigger Alzheimer¡¯s disease
A team of researchers said they found a ¡°seed¡± that accelerates the amyloid beta accumulation process in the brain, naming it ¡°Peak 1 amyloid beta,¡± as seen in a mouse's brain.
Indian brothers make manga debut in Japan
Two Indian brothers made their manga debut in Japan with "Kung Fu Kung Fool" ¡ª an action-comedy series that follows the adventures of a notorious thief and a young boy.
Japan weighs regulating Pokemon cards amid trading mania
A Pokemon event is held in Jakarta on July 11
Low-income families in Japan cut food and air conditioning during summer break
Yumiko Watanabe, the chairperson of nonprofit Kidsdoor, explains the results of a survey in Tokyo's Chiyoda Ward on July 1.
Iran strikes on CIA facilities prompt questions about possible Russian role
Iranian drones are displayed in an undisclosed location in Iran, in this handout image obtained on Jan. 13, 2025.U.S. officials have acknowledged that Russia has ?provided targeting ?and other support for Iran in its drone strikes on U.S. targets in the Persian Gulf region.
The sci-fi sensibilities of electronic trio Black Boboi
Black Boboi was formed in 2018 when solo artists Julia Shortreed, Utena Kobayashi and Ermhoi came together under Kobayashi¡¯s newly founded label, Bindividual.
A perfect storm: Kaze Fujii fans flock to Fuji Rock
Okayama-born singer-songwriter Kaze Fujii has carved out a distinctive place in Japanese pop since his major-label debut in 2019.
Can Japanese comedy get laughs in English? Yoshimoto Kogyo lets the jokes rip
Wes-P has millions of followers and his viral clips made him recognizable out of Japan.
The 180-day locals: Life on Japan¡¯s digital nomad visa
Christopher Flinn works remotely from Tokyo earlier this month. Japan issued 646 digital nomad visas in 2025, but tourism officials are hoping to increase that figure in the coming years, with Japan's relatively cheap cost of living and the weak yen seen as potential draws for young professionals.
Japan reveals hint of new defense spending target in fiscal blueprint
The Self-Defense Forces' Type 16 mobile combat vehicle fires during a joint live-fire drill with U.S. Marines as part of the annual Resolute Dragon exercises in Yufu, Oita Prefecture, on June 28.

Podcast

One of the many entrances to the Kabukicho neighborhood in Tokyo¡¯s Shinjuku Ward.
Kabukicho: Tokyo¡¯s ¡®stadium of desire¡¯

Longform

For many people, utility poles and power lines have become such a familiar part of Japan¡¯s landscape that they often go unnoticed.
Why Japan¡¯s utility poles won¡¯t be disappearing anytime soon
By Alex K.T. Martin

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