- Japan's last two giant pandas, Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei, will return to China on January 27, 2026.
- This marks the first time since 1972 that Japan will have no giant pandas.
- Ueno Zoo is holding a lottery for limited public viewings of the pandas before their departure, hoping for future panda exchanges with China.

A: Hey! Did you hear about the pandas at Ueno Zoo? 🐼

B: No! What's going on?

A: They’re going back to China! January 27th. 😢

B: Really? Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei? The twins?

A: Yep! The Tokyo government decided it with China.

B: Wow! That's a big deal. No pandas in Japan? Ever?

A: Pretty much! It’s the first time since 1972. Remember when they first came as a friendship gift?

B: I do! It's so sad! Are we even allowed to see them?

A: It's a lottery now! Super hard to get tickets for the last day, January 25th. Like, one in twenty-five people.

B: Seriously? That’s tough! I wanted to say goodbye.

A: Me too! They want to send them back safely, though.

B: Good. I hope Japan gets some new pandas soon! 🤞



A: Fingers crossed!