Xiang Xiang (香香/Xiangxiang), the “Panda Princess” of Japan, captured hearts from the moment she was born on June 12, 2017, at Ueno Zoo. The overwhelming outpouring of affection for her, from celebratory sales to messages of well-wishes, transformed her into a symbol of joy and hope for many in Japan. Despite her quiet and introverted demeanor in her early years, Xiang Xiang’s personality blossomed after her return to China, where she became known for her energetic antics and cheerful interactions with visitors. Her life has been a journey of cultural connections and poignant farewells, culminating in her emotional departure from Japan and arrival at Bifengxia Panda Base in Sichuan. With a documentary and fan pilgrimages in her wake, Xiang Xiang’s story continues to inspire as a beloved ambassador of giant panda conservation.
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)
- Current Residence: Bifengxia Panda Base, Sichuan
- Sibliings: Xiao Xiao (晓晓) and Lei Lei (蕾蕾)
Life Experience of Panda Xiang Xiang
Life in Japan
Birth: The news of Xiang Xiang’s birth quickly garnered an overwhelming number of congratulatory messages from Japanese netizens. On her birthday, the streets were filled with messages of blessing for her, and some department stores even held large-scale sales to celebrate. Products themed around “Xiang Xiang” were everywhere, creating a stunning spectacle.
Naming Process: In July 2017, Ueno Zoo began soliciting name suggestions for the panda cub from across Japan. By the end of August, a selection committee led by honorary president Tetsuko Kuroyanagi of the Japan Panda Protection Association shortlisted eight names from approximately 320,000 submissions. After consultations with China, which holds ownership of the pandas, the name “Xiang Xiang” was chosen. This name is represented both in Japanese katakana and Chinese characters.
Childhood: Xiang Xiang grew up under the loving care of her mother, Xian Nv, with regular health checks and daily observations conducted every ten days. The keepers minimally interfered in the maternal rearing process. Xiang Xiang’s pinkish fur at birth was attributed to the saliva of her mother during grooming, with the intensity of the pink hue reflecting the extent of maternal love. On December 19, 2017, Xiang Xiang made her public debut, becoming the first panda cub displayed at Ueno Zoo in 29 years.
1st Birth Celebration: It is no exaggeration to say that after Xiang Xiang’s birth, the Japanese public treated her like a “princess.” In 2018, on her first birthday, more than 4,000 visitors were already lining up before the zoo opened at 9:30 AM just to attend her birthday celebration.
Independent Life: By January 2019, Xiang Xiang was well-prepared for independent living. At one and a half years old, she weighed 40.3 kg and had developed permanent teeth, enabling her to primarily eat bamboo.
Return Journey to China
Original Plan: Initially, Xiang Xiang was scheduled to return to China in June 2019. However, after negotiations between China and Japan, her stay was extended by a year and a half to the end of December 2020.
Multiple Extensions: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Xiang Xiang’s stay in Japan was extended to May 2021. Further delays occurred because of aviation restrictions and entry controls related to the Winter Olympics, pushing her return date to June 2022. In December 2021, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government announced another postponement, setting the new return deadline to February 21, 2023.
Farewell: Before Xiang Xiang returned to China, February 19, 2023, was the last day visitors could see her. The opportunity to say goodbye to Xiang Xiang was determined by a lottery, with over 60,000 participants and only a 1 in 24 chance of winning. For the final farewell session, the odds were even slimmer, at just 1 in 70. On the 20th, fans gathered along the route Xiang Xiang would take to the airport, arriving as early as 7 AM. The crowd shouted Xiang Xiang’s name, and among them, heart-wrenching cries could be heard, with some calling out, “Xiang Xiang, please never forget me.”
Final Return: On February 21, 2023, she departed from Tokyo, arriving at Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport later that day. She was then transported to the Ya’an Bifengxia Base of the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda for a month-long quarantine. On October 8, 2023, Xiang Xiang was introduced to the public at the Bifengxia Base.
Japanese Visitors: On November 8, 2023, just a month after Xiang Xiang’s public exhibition in China, a special flight was arranged by her Japanese fan club. They traveled to Sichuan to reunite with Xiang Xiang at Bifengxia, 261 days after her departure.
Personality Transformation: When Xiang Xiang was in Japan, she was a very quiet and introverted little panda, calmly sitting and eating bamboo shoots, and would immediately hide if visitors got a bit too loud. However, after returning to China and going through an adjustment period, she became exceptionally lively and cheerful. She now actively runs and rolls around in front of visitors and even gives high-fives through the glass. This drastic change has made many people who traveled from Japan to see her wonder if she had been swapped with another panda.
Documentary: Xiang Xiang’s life in Japan garnered immense love and attention from the Japanese people, her growth journey touching countless hearts. On January 21, 2024, the documentary “Homecoming! Panda Princess Xiang Xiang” premiered, chronicling her life in Japan and her return to China. This film further deepened public understanding and interest in Xiang Xiang and giant panda conservation efforts.
News about Panda Xiang Xiang
- Exploring the “2025 Ueno Panda Spring Festival” in Japan (04-02-2025)
- Giant Pandas Living Abroad Become “Top Global Stars” (01-01-2025)
- Japanese Tourists Visit China to See Giant Panda Xiang Xiang (26-07-2024)