Overall Highlights

• Japan’s last two giant pandas have returned to China, marking the end of a significant cultural exchange.
• Chinese tourists are increasingly avoiding Japan, with many opting for South Korea instead, citing concerns and visa ease.
• Japan is actively working to reduce its reliance on Chinese rare earth materials amid geopolitical tensions.
• Both countries are facing challenges in tourism, with Japan’s appeal declining among Chinese visitors due to various factors.
• There are ongoing tensions regarding Japan’s comments on China’s Taiwan, with China asserting its stance firmly.

China Perspective (China Sources)

• Japan’s last two giant pandas have returned to China, which is seen as a significant cultural event.
• Chinese tourists are avoiding Japan due to concerns, with a notable shift towards South Korea as a preferred destination.
• China has criticized Japan for its comments on Taiwan, asserting that Japan has no right to comment on China’s internal matters.
• There is a sense of frustration in China regarding Japan’s political provocations, particularly from figures like Takaichi.
• China’s media highlights the importance of the panda return as a symbol of friendship and cooperation.

Japan Perspective (Japan Sources)

• Japan’s last two pandas have left for China, which is viewed as a loss for Japanese zoos and a cultural connection.
• Japanese media reports on the decline of Chinese tourists, noting that many are choosing South Korea over Japan for travel.
• Japan is focusing on diversifying its rare earth supply chains to reduce dependency on China, reflecting economic concerns.
• There is a growing sentiment in Japan regarding the need to address China’s influence and actions in the region.
• Japan’s media emphasizes the importance of maintaining a strong stance against perceived provocations from China.

Sources

This summary is based on 20 articles from the following sources:

1. [en-US] Japan’s last two giant pandas return to China - news.cgtn.com (1/28/2026)
2. [en-US] Highlights of Australian Open tennis tournament - 新华网 (1/28/2026)
3. [en-US] Japan bids farewell to panda twins - China Daily - Global Edition (1/28/2026)
4. [en-US] Over 2,000 stranded at Japan’s Hokkaido airport amid record snowfall - news.cgtn.com (1/28/2026)
5. [en-US] Japan’s last two giant pandas return to China - 新华网 (1/28/2026)
6. [en-US] Chinese tourists avoid Japan amid concerns - China Daily (1/28/2026)
7. [en-US] Another calculated provocation from Takaichi that will be duly answered - China Daily - Global Edition (1/27/2026)
8. [en-US] S. Korea set to overtake Japan as top destination for Chinese tourists - China Daily (1/27/2026)
9. [en-US] Japan has no right to comment on China’s Taiwan: spokesperson - news.cgtn.com (1/27/2026)
10. [en-US] Japan has no right to comment on China’s Taiwan: FM spokesperson - 新华网 (1/27/2026)
11. [en-US] Inside Japan’s long battle to ‘de-Chinafy’ its rare earth supply chain - Nikkei Asia (1/27/2026)
12. [en-US] Japan becomes 1st country to join Trump’s Genesis Mission innovation plan - Nikkei Asia (1/27/2026)
13. [en-US] China buys gold, sells Treasurys as investment options narrow - Nikkei Asia (1/27/2026)
14. [en-US] Prudential’s Japan life insurance unit faces probe over employee fraud - Nikkei Asia (1/27/2026)
15. [en-US] JAL, JR East to combine air and rail tickets as part of broad tie-up - Nikkei Asia (1/27/2026)
16. [en-US] India and EU finalize landmark trade deal amid Trump tariffs - Nikkei Asia (1/27/2026)
17. [en-US] Japan and U.S. eye synthetic diamond production under $550B investment plan - The Japan Times (1/27/2026)
18. [en-US] Chinese tourists picking South Korea over Japan for Lunar New Year amid visa ease - The Japan Times (1/27/2026)
19. [en-US] Last two pandas in Japan leave for China - The Japan Times (1/27/2026)
20. [en-US] African nations send more money to China than they receive in new loans - The Japan Times (1/27/2026)