TOKYO — Two pandas at a Tokyo zoo will be returned to China in January, Japanese media said on Monday, potentially leaving Japan without the beloved animals for the first time in half a century. Loaned out as part of China's "panda diplomacy" program, the distinctive black-and-white animals have symbolized friendship between Beijing and Tokyo since the normalization of diplomatic ties in 1972. Japan currently has only two pandas — Lei Lei and Xiao Xiao — at Tokyo's Zoological Gardens in the Ueno neighbourhood. However, the twins are now set to be repatriated a month before their loan period expires in February, the Asahi Shimbun daily and other media outlets reported. Tokyo's metropolitan government has been asking for the immensely popular mammals to remain at the zoo — where they attract huge crowds — but China didn't agree, according to the Nikkei business daily. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government declined to comment when contacted by AFP. Asahi also reported that Tokyo is separately seeking the loan of a new pair, although their arrival before the return of Lei Lei and Xiao Xi