Pandas Bring High Hopes for Tokyo Economy, Diplomacy

TOKYO, Feb. 21, 2011 — -- Japan pulled out all the stops to welcome its latest visitors Monday: a pair of giant pandas from China.

Panda flags lined the streets near Tokyo's Ueno Zoo – new home to the cuddly bears. The creatures even arrived in a plane painted to look like a panda.

Restaurants throughout Japan's capital served up panda-themed dishes, while cafes frothed their lattes with panda designs.

To say Japan is excited about its newest residents would be an understatement.

"The pandas are finally coming to town," jewelry store owner Masahiro Koyano told the Associated Press. "We are so excited."

Five-year-old male Bili and female Xiannu will fill a huge void left by Ling Ling, Ueno Zoo's last panda.

The 22-year-old died of heart failure in 2008 – living the equivalent of 70 human years.

The new Tokyo residents are on lease from China for $950,000 a year, a giant price tag for the Tokyo municipal government.