Born at Ueno Zoo in 2021, Lei Lei and Xiao Xiao quickly became national favourites, drawing visitors like Nene Hashino, 40 who has followed their lives since the twins birth

The pandas return was announced during a period of diplomatic tension between Japan and China, following remarks by Japan’s prime minister on Taiwan that angered Beijing

China’s ‘panda diplomacy’ has symbolised friendship with Japan since the two countries normalised relations in 1972, making the animals departure symbolic

A stuffed toy panda is placed at the cashier of a souvenir shop on the last day before the twins return to China, which is a month before their loan agreement was due to expire, according to Tokyo Metropolitan Government officials

Experts say panda relocations are routine under China’s loan programme, and their departure may not be politically motivated despite strained bilateral ties

Ueno Zoo offered 4,400 lottery winners a final viewing on Sunday before the twins departure for China for people to bid a heartfelt goodbye

Panda-clad fans wearing panda-themed clothing, hats and accessories line the streets as the twins are transported by truck back to China, marking an emotional moment for many Japanese admirers

A truck believed to be carrying the twin pandas departs from Ueno Zoo in Tokyo 

The departure saddened many admirers of the twin pandas. "I lost one part of my heart", said Daisaku Hirota, a 37-year-old shop worker who visited them whenever he could.