The Story of Panda Fuhin, the Charming Panda Born in Japan

Pandas, the national treasures of China, have always held a special place in the hearts of people worldwide, captivating audiences with their endearing appearance and gentle demeanor. Among them, "Fuhin," a female panda born in Japan, has emerged as a delightful star, stealing the hearts of many with her cute and endearing antics. Let's dive into the story of Fuhin and explore why she has become such a beloved figure in Japan.

Fuhin was born on November 22, 2020, at Adventure World amusement park in Shirohama-cho, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan. She is the latest addition to the long list of pandas born at this facility since the collaboration between Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding and Adventure World began. Fuhin's parents are "Eimei" and "Rauhin," both pandas on a breeding loan from China.

At birth, Fuhin weighed just 157 grams, tiny enough to fit comfortably in the palm of one's hand. Initially, there was some confusion about her gender, but after careful observation, it was confirmed that Fuhin is a female. The COVID-19 pandemic posed some challenges, as researchers from the Chengdu Research Base could not travel to Japan in 2021. As a result, Fuhin became the first panda cub to be independently delivered by Adventure World staff.

Naming Fuhin was a significant milestone, with Adventure World conducting a naming contest from December 2020 to February 2021. The contest received an overwhelming response, with over 110,000 entries. The top three favorites were "Fuhin," "Hikarihama," and "Sakihama." Ultimately, "Fuhin" emerged as the winner, chosen for its meaningful connection to the panda cub's life and surroundings. The name, which can be translated as "rich autumn wind" or "auspicious autumn breeze," was selected in hopes that Fuhin would grow up beautifully, like an autumn maple tree, surrounded by love and prosperity.

The naming ceremony took place on March 18, 2021, with Kitahara Mirei, a local calligrapher, writing Fuhin's name on a 1.8-meter square piece of paper. The ceremony was a celebration of Fuhin's arrival and marked the beginning of her new journey at Adventure World.

Fuhin's debut in front of the public came on June 12, 2021, at Adventure World. The little panda cub, with her cute and clumsy movements, quickly became a favorite among visitors. Her popularity continued to grow as she showed off her playful and curious side, winning the hearts of both locals and tourists.

On November 22, 2021, Fuhin celebrated her first birthday at Adventure World in a grand celebration. The park decorated the venue with birthday gifts made from locally sourced wood, including blocks spelling out "Happy Birthday" and ice cubes shaped like maple leaves and the number "1." The birthday celebration was broadcast online, allowing people from around the world to share in the joy. The park also distributed 2,000 folders featuring Fuhin's photo and a booklet detailing her growth process to visitors.

Xue Jian, the Consul General of China in Osaka, attended the celebration and presented a fruit basket and a plaque inscribed with "Goodwill Ambassador" by Kong Xuanyou, the Chinese Ambassador to Japan, as birthday gifts. This honor underscored Fuhin's role as a bridge of friendship between China and Japan.

Fuhin's popularity has not waned, and she has even taken on some special roles. In July 2022, she followed in the footsteps of her sister "Ayai" and became the second ambassador for traffic safety in Wakayama Prefecture. This role allowed Fuhin to contribute to the community and promote safety on the roads.

In March 2023, Fuhin received a special gift for Hinamatsuri (Daughter's Day) — ice cubes shaped like rice cakes, rice crackers, and peach blossoms. This thoughtful gesture was a celebration of Fuhin's growth and development, as well as a reminder of the warm and nurturing environment she has in Japan.

Fuhin's story is not just about her individual charm but also about the strong bond between China and Japan. Pandas have always been symbols of friendship between the two countries, and Fuhin's presence in Japan underscores this relationship. She has become a bridge of love between the people of China and Japan, bringing joy and warmth to everyone who meets her.

As Fuhin continues to grow and thrive at Adventure World, we can only imagine the many adventures and heartwarming moments she will share with us. Whether playing in the grass or taking on special ambassadorial duties, Fuhin will undoubtedly continue to charm and delight everyone around her. She is truly a little ambassador with a big impact.