Since all four pandas at a theme park in Shirahama town of the western Japanese prefecture of Wakayama returned to China in June, Shirahama launched a “keeper experience tour” project where a staff member donned a panda costume, allowing visitors to simulate tasks like drawing blood from the animal, TV Asahi reported.

According to the Xinhua News Agency, the four pandas -- 24-year-old Rauhin and her three daughters, 8-year-old Yuihin, 6-year-old Saihin and 4-year-old Fuhin -- arrived in the city of Chengdu, Southwest China's Sichuan Province, on June 28. 

A staff member dressed in a panda costume imitates the iconic laid-back pose of the panda Yuihin. Photo: screenshot from TV Asahi report

According to the report, Adventure World in Shirahama Town launched the "keeper experience tour", which is a tour that allows visitors to enter the backstage areas once inhabited by the pandas and experience the work of a keeper. Participants need to wear keeper jackets and panda-patterned hats.

The activities include simulating drawing blood from a panda, TV Asahi reported.

A staff member dressed in a panda costume imitates the iconic laid-back pose of the panda Yuihin.

Upon completing the tour, participants can receive a "keeper certification," the report said.

TV Asahi reported that Shirahama Town, now without its pandas, is feeling the impact on tourism.

An employee at a bus company remarked, "There has been a significant drop in visitors. [Compared to 2024,] it's probably down by about half," according to the report.

According to the report, a staff member of a hotel in Shirahama stated, "The legacy left by the pandas was immense. To fill that void, we must make substantial efforts. We are working hard to do just that."

Global Times