In an emotional outpouring, thousands descended upon the Japanese town to catch one last tender moment with the pandas at Adventure World Zoo before they journeyed back to China
Large crowds in Japan were left in tears after China summoned the return of four beloved pandas – announcing that the animals would not return.
In an emotional outpouring, thousands descended upon the Japanese town to catch one last moment with the pandas at Adventure World Zoo before they journeyed back to China.
These endearing pandas, having been born and raised in Japan, became star attractions at Adventure World Zoo, welcoming droves of visitors each year.
Since 1994, China has graced Japan with these popular creatures, but this year Beijing has put an abrupt halt to the initiative, summoning back Rauhin, age 24, along with her daughters Yuihin, 8; Saihin, 6; and Fuhin, 4.
With no forthcoming panda exchanges on the horizon, thousands have clamoured to visit the cuddly quartet for the final time on June 27.
Visibly moved, Shiori Sakurai told CNN: “Being here brought back so many memories. And I realised, I really don’t want them to go. Let’s meet again, OK? I’ll keep loving you every single day.”
For Mihoko Ninomiya, frequent visits to see the charming pandas were treasured family outings she enjoyed with her daughter and granddaughter.
Speaking of the significance the pandas held, she said: “We’ve been coming here since my daughter was a little girl,” lamenting, “We will miss them terribly.”
An influx of affectionate glances has swept across “Panda Town” as admirers thronged to catch a sight of their cherished pandas relishing their bamboo or frolicking in their habitats.
Shirahama, nestled along Japan’s southern coastline, is reeling from the impact of the pandas’ departure, marking a profound loss for the community. The town’s 20,000 residents have seen a significant economic uplift thanks to the pandas.
Panda-themed goods are ubiquitous, from shops to public transport and eateries, with the town raking in an estimated $870 million from panda-related tourism over the last 30 years, according to Kansai University’s Professor Emeritus of Economics, Katsuhiro Miyamoto.
Without these beloved animals, the town faces a potential loss of $41 million annually, which is a staggering 40% of its yearly budget, Miyamoto explained to CNN. An estimated 200,000 tourists could vanish each year, potentially driving locals to seek employment elsewhere.
Local business owners, heavily dependent on the influx of panda enthusiasts, are contemplating whether to continue selling their panda-themed products. “We haven’t really decided whether we’ll gradually phase them out or keep them as ‘panda memory,'” admitted one souvenir shop owner.
While the exact reasons for China’s recall of the pandas remain uncertain, some speculate it may be politically motivated. Masaki Ienaga, Associate Professor of International Relations at Tokyo Woman’s Christian University, suggests the recall might be linked to Shirahama electing Yasuhiro Oe, known for his pro-Taiwan views, possibly irking China.
When questioned about the decision, China’s Foreign Ministry reiterated that Taiwan’s status is “purely China’s internal affairs.”
“Some Japanese politicians should be mindful of the lessons of history… and be cautious in their words and deeds on the Taiwan issue,” it said.
Despite still housing two pandas at Tokyo’s Ueno Zoo, China has also decided to terminate its lease next year.