Panda Xiang Xiang: The Princess of Japan

If you’ve ever been captivated by the charming presence of pandas, then Xiang Xiang (香香/Xiangxiang) is a name you won’t forget. This adorable panda captured the hearts of an entire nation in Japan and continues to enchant fans with her unique story. From her royal welcome to her heartfelt farewell, Xiang Xiang’s journey is more than just that of a panda – it’s a tale of love, transformation, and an unbreakable bond between countries.

Basic Information

Name: Xiang Xiang (香香)
Meaning of the Name: Fragrance and Sweetie
Gender: Female
Lineage Number: 1070
Birth Date: June 12, 2017, at 11:52 AM
Birthplace: Ueno Zoo, Tokyo, Japan
Father: Bi Li (比力)
Mother: Xian Nv (仙女)
Sibliings: Xiao Xiao (晓晓) and Lei Lei (蕾蕾)
Current Residence: Bifengxia Panda Base, Sichuan

Life Experience of Panda Xiang Xiang

Life in Japan

Birth: The birth of Xiang Xiang was a momentous occasion that captured the hearts of Japan. The joyous news spread like wildfire, and soon the internet was flooded with heartfelt congratulations from fans all across the country. On her birthday, the streets of Tokyo were alive with excitement, adorned with banners and signs celebrating her arrival. Department stores joined in the festivities, hosting grand sales in her honor. Everywhere you looked, from plush toys to themed merchandise, Xiang Xiang was the star of the show, creating an enchanting spectacle that brought the entire nation together in celebration.

Naming Process: In July 2017, Ueno Zoo launched a nationwide campaign to find the perfect name for the beloved panda cub. The response was nothing short of overwhelming – by the end of the month, nearly 320,000 name suggestions had flooded in from across Japan. A prestigious selection committee, headed by the honorary president Tetsuko Kuroyanagi of the Japan Panda Protection Association, narrowed the choices down to eight finalists. After consultations with China, the birthplace and custodian of the pandas, the name “Xiang Xiang” was chosen. This elegant name, which can be written in both Japanese katakana and Chinese characters, perfectly encapsulated her charm and the deep connection between Japan and China.

Childhood: Xiang Xiang flourished under the tender care of her mother, Xian Nv, with the zoo keepers maintaining a respectful distance, conducting health checks and daily observations every ten days to ensure all was well. The bond between mother and cub was evident in the nurturing environment, where the keepers allowed Xian Nv to raise her cub naturally, with minimal interference. When Xiang Xiang was born, her fur had a delicate pink hue, a result of her mother’s loving grooming. On December 19, 2017, she made her public debut, becoming the first panda cub to be displayed at Ueno Zoo in 29 years, a moment that was met with widespread joy and anticipation.

1st Birth Celebration: To say that the Japanese public embraced Xiang Xiang as a national treasure would be an understatement – she was treated like royalty. On her first birthday in 2018, the excitement was palpable. By the time the zoo gates opened at 9:30 AM, over 4,000 eager visitors were already waiting in line, ready to celebrate this beloved panda cub’s milestone.

Independent Life: By January 2019, Xiang Xiang had blossomed into a young adult, ready to take her first steps toward independence. At one and a half years old, she had grown to a healthy weight of 40.3 kg and had developed her permanent teeth, marking a key milestone in her life. With her ability to munch on bamboo, she was well on her way to becoming a self-sufficient panda.

Return Journey to China

Original Plan: Xiang Xiang’s initial return to China was set for June 2019, but due to heartfelt negotiations between China and Japan, her stay was extended by an additional year and a half, lasting until the end of December 2020.

Multiple Extensions: The COVID-19 pandemic led to further delays in Xiang Xiang’s return, and her stay was extended to May 2021. Additional setbacks, including aviation restrictions and entry controls related to the Winter Olympics, meant that her departure was postponed once more, this time to June 2022. In December 2021, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government announced yet another delay, pushing the return deadline to February 21, 2023. Each extension allowed fans more time to cherish her presence, keeping the connection between Xiang Xiang and Japan alive.

Farewell: The day of Xiang Xiang’s farewell was an emotional one. February 19, 2023, marked the last opportunity for visitors to see the beloved panda, and the chance to bid her farewell was determined through a lottery. Over 60,000 hopeful fans entered, knowing the odds were slim – just a 1 in 24 chance to witness her final moments in Japan. The odds grew even smaller for the last farewell session, with only 1 in 70 winning a spot. On the 20th, a sea of fans gathered along the route to the airport, some arriving as early as 7 AM to catch a glimpse of their beloved panda one last time. As Xiang Xiang passed by, the crowd erupted with shouts of her name, but mixed with the cheers were heart-wrenching cries. Some fans, their voices filled with emotion, called out, “Xiang Xiang, please never forget me,” a poignant expression of the deep bond she had formed with the people of Japan.

Final Return: On February 21, 2023, Xiang Xiang’s journey home began as she left Tokyo, arriving at Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport later that same day. From there, she was carefully transported to the Ya’an Bifengxia Base of the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, where she underwent a month-long quarantine period. On October 8, 2023, Xiang Xiang made her grand public debut at the Bifengxia Base, marking a new chapter in her life as she was warmly welcomed by fans in China.

Japanese Visitors: Just a month after Xiang Xiang’s public exhibition in China, her devoted Japanese fan club arranged a special flight on November 8, 2023, to reunite with her in Sichuan. It had been 261 days since Xiang Xiang’s departure from Japan, and her loyal fans were eager to see her once more.

Personality Transformation: During her time in Japan, Xiang Xiang was known for her calm and reserved nature. As a young cub, she would quietly sit and munch on bamboo shoots, only retreating to her safe space if the crowd grew too loud or excited. However, after settling into her new environment in China and adjusting to her surroundings, Xiang Xiang underwent a remarkable transformation. She blossomed into a lively and spirited panda, full of energy and curiosity. Now, she joyfully runs and rolls around in front of visitors, even engaging with them by giving high-fives through the glass! This dramatic shift in her behavior left many fans, especially those who traveled from Japan, wondering if the panda they saw in China was the same one they had adored back home.

Documentary: Xiang Xiang’s journey captured the hearts of the Japanese people, becoming a symbol of love, hope, and conservation. Her growth, both physically and emotionally, was followed by thousands of fans who watched her every step. On January 21, 2024, the documentary “Homecoming! Panda Princess Xiang Xiang” premiered, offering an intimate look into her life in Japan and her heartfelt return to China.