Wakayama, Apr 30 (News On Japan) - The entire population of pandas at Adventure World in Shirahama, Wakayama Prefecture, is being returned to China, delivering a major blow to both the mayor and residents. The emotional and economic impact is significant.
Visitors continue to flock to the park ahead of the pandas’ departure, capturing final glimpses of the animals as they tumble and play. Shirahama’s deep connection to pandas traces back over 40 years to when pandas first arrived in the Kansai region. Archival footage from 1979 shows a taxidermied panda displayed at a department store in Osaka under a 100 million yen insurance policy. Two years later, performing pandas thrilled crowds by playing instruments and rolling soccer balls.
In 1994, Shirahama officially became a panda town when two live pandas were loaned to Adventure World for breeding research. Since then, pandas have been central to the town’s identity. Statues, vending machines, hotel rooms, and even train stations prominently feature panda designs. Some hotel rooms are entirely panda-themed, drawing fans from across Japan.
One visitor remarked, "I once considered moving to Shirahama just to be closer to the pandas. I’m glad I didn’t, given what’s happening now."
The return of the pandas has left local businesses anxious. "We’ll try to keep things enjoyable for visitors, but the impact is real," said one hotel operator.
Mayor Yasuhiro Wada expressed deep disappointment, recalling how he first heard the news via a call from town hall while in transit. "I had to turn back immediately. At first, I couldn’t believe it," he said. "It’s painful not to be able to say with conviction that this is still a panda town."
The town is not alone. At Kobe’s Oji Zoo, another panda stronghold in Kansai, the last panda died in March last year. The gate still displays panda illustrations, and the former habitat remains untouched. "We left it as it is in case there’s a chance someday to bring another panda," said the deputy director. Inside, panels recreate the panda’s life, allowing visitors to remember the animal’s legacy.
"She was adored not just by Kobe residents, but by people across Japan. Pandas were simply a part of life," one official commented.
Negotiations to bring pandas back to Japan remain complex. Ownership rests with the Chinese government, and pandas have long played a role in so-called panda diplomacy. The ruling Liberal Democratic Party’s Secretary-General Hiroshi Moriyama recently met with Chinese Communist Party officials to request another panda loan.
"Pandas may appear cute and cuddly, but they are highly strategic animals in diplomacy," said political commentator Ken Hamada. "China lends them to countries it wants to foster ties with. They’ve even been sent to the U.S. amid rising tensions and to nations like Indonesia."
As of last summer, only 73 pandas were on loan globally. Given the geopolitical stakes, Japan’s request is no simple matter.
Still, Shirahama hopes to avoid being written off as a "former panda town." "If there’s ever a chance to work together again, we’re happy to help," said local officials. "We don’t want this to be the end of the story."
While some encourage the town to highlight its other attractions, such as its renowned hot springs and proximity to the UNESCO-listed Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route, the departure of the pandas leaves a deep void. Whether diplomacy can bring them back remains an open question—and a pressing one for Shirahama’s future.
Source: KTV NEWS
