Asia News Wrap: Japan's last two pandas return to China, and more

Here are a few stories from around Asia you may have missed this week.

Japan's last two giant pandas return to China

The last two giant pandas in Japan returned to China from a Tokyo zoo on Wednesday morning, marking the end of over five decades of panda presence in Japan. The pair, Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei, arrived in Chengdu in southwest China's Sichuan Province at 1 a.m. and were then sent to the Ya'an base of the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, where they will be quarantined. 

Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei were born in 2021 to their mother, Shin Shin, and her mate, Ri Ri, who were returned to China in September 2024.

South Korean court sentences first lady to jail

A South Korean court sentenced former First Lady Kim Keon-hee to 20 months in prison on Wednesday for accepting Chanel bags and a diamond pendant from Unification Church officials in exchange for political favors. The wife of ex-President Yoon Suk-yeol, who was ousted from office last year, was cleared of other charges, including stock price manipulation and violations of the political funds act. 

Prosecutors will appeal the not-guilty verdicts, according to media reports. A statement from Kim's lawyers said she "humbly accepts the court's stern criticism" and is "sorry for causing public concern."

Severe air pollution blankets Bangkok

Unsafe levels of dust blanketed Bangkok and 57 provinces in Thailand on Tuesday. The Bangkok Air Quality Information Centre reported elevated levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) across Bangkok. Morning air quality was severely poor, with PM2.5 concentrations exceeding the standard in all monitored areas. The citywide average PM2.5 was 55.2 micrograms per cubic meter, exceeding the reference standard of 37.5 mcg per cubic meter. 

Overall, PM2.5 levels were increasing, and air quality was assessed as "starting to affect health" (orange level) across the capital. Residents are advised to wear a PM2.5 mask when outdoors, monitor symptoms and seek medical advice promptly if any abnormal signs appear.

(Cover: Giant panda Xiao Xiao walks in its enclosure on the final day for public viewing before its departure for China, at Ueno Zoo in Tokyo, Japan, January 25, 2026. /CFP)