Seeking Giant Pandas: Kansai Economic Federation Plans Delegation Visit to China
Japanese media outlet Yomiuri Shimbun reported on the 14th that a delegation from the Kansai Economic Federation is planning a visit to China by late December, aiming to request the loan of giant pandas once again—part of broader efforts to improve bilateral relations and boost tourism in Japan.
The delegation will be co-led by Matsuo Masayoshi, president of the Kansai Economic Federation, and Torii Nobuji, president of the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Other members include Tanioka Kazuaki, president of the Kansai Dōyūkai, and Kawasaki Hiroshi, president of the Kobe Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The group plans to visit Beijing from December 20 to 22. According to sources familiar with the matter, they intend to meet with Chinese officials during the trip and formally submit a request for panda loans.
In 1972, to mark the normalization of diplomatic ties between China and Japan, two giant pandas were lent to Tokyo’s Ueno Zoo. The species had previously been hosted at the "Adventure World" theme park in Shirahama, Wakayama Prefecture, and at Kobe City’s Prince Zoo, but after their lease agreements expired, Japan’s last panda was returned to China in January this year.
The delegation also aims to secure stable access to critical minerals such as rare earths and to ensure the safety of Japanese personnel working in China.
A senior official from the Kansai Economic Federation stated: “We hope to propose the loan of giant pandas as a way to guarantee tangible outcomes from this visit.”
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1881809426629635/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.