“想跟它们说‘谢谢，再见’”日本民众惜别大熊猫“晓晓”和“蕾蕾”

Core Viewpoint - The departure of giant pandas "Xiaoxiao" and "Leilei" from Ueno Zoo in Japan marks a significant moment, as it will be the first time since 1972 that Japan will not have any giant pandas, reflecting the deterioration of Sino-Japanese relations [3][4]. Group 1: Public Sentiment and Attendance - On January 25, the last day for public viewing of the pandas, approximately 4,400 lucky visitors were allowed to attend, with over 310,000 people participating in the lottery for tickets from January 14 to 25, resulting in a ratio of 24.6 applicants for each ticket on the final day [1][3]. - Many fans and families queued early to bid farewell to the pandas, highlighting the emotional connection and nostalgia associated with the animals, particularly among families who have shared experiences across generations [3]. Group 2: Panda Diplomacy and Future Implications - The return of the pandas is seen as a loss for Japan, as it may diminish public interest in giant pandas, which is not favorable for China, given the significance of "panda diplomacy" in showcasing China's commitment to biodiversity and international cooperation [4]. - The pandas "Xiaoxiao" and "Leilei" were born in 2021 and have been a symbol of hope during the pandemic, with their names representing a bright future and blossoming flowers, which resonates with the public sentiment [4]. - According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, the pandas are scheduled to return to China by February 2026, indicating a lack of motivation for China to extend the rental agreement amid strained diplomatic relations [4].