Tokyo International News Agency

On X (formerly Twitter), the phrase "返さなきゃ" (Hanasanakya / I have to return it) has become a trending topic, leading to a flurry of posts from users discussing various forms of "returns." Behind this seemingly simple phrase lies a complex array of obligations and psychological conflicts faced by people today, ranging from diplomatic issues involving pandas to daily human relationships and financial transactions. The most frequently discussed topic was the return of pandas to China. Many users recalled their sadness when Ueno Zoo's Xiang Xiang was returned to China, with a prevalent sentiment being, "If we have to return them eventually, it's better not to borrow them in the first place." Critical voices were also heard regarding the current situation where rental fees are paid and even cubs born in Japan are returned to China, with comments like, "There's no benefit at all" and "It's wrong to use them for political leverage....

A report by Chinese media on the potential cessation of panda loans to Japan has made the phrase “panda loan halt” trend on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), sparking lively public debate. Amid worsening Japan-China relations, public reaction to this development has been divided between skepticism towards panda diplomacy and expressions of attachment from some. According to reports, the phrase “pandas will disappear from Japan” topped search rankings on Chinese social media, indicating high interest within China. Domestically, Japanese media reported that news anchor Kensuke Okochi stated, “I hope pandas won't be affected,” a comment that also drew mixed reactions on social media. Many posts showed opinions accepting or even welcoming the halt to panda loans. Comments such as “If this is meant as blackmail, then we don't need them,” “If animals are going to be used for political purposes, then it’s fine for them not to be here,” and “They're not animals worth payi...