An image of the giant panda released online. [Photo provided by Uneo Zoo]

Although people were given the chance to see Xiang Xiang in the zoo, only one or two minutes' visit time was allowed. However, there is no time limit for online videos.

"I hope that people who live far away will also have access to Xiang Xiang," said a representative of Ueno Zoological Gardens.

According to Japan's NHK TV Station, the "Xiang Xiang effect" has brought huge business opportunities after her meeting with the public. There is an increasing number of zoo visitors and panda aficionados coming to buy panda-themed foods and goods.

Tokyo's publisher "Pie International" released a panda photo album, including Xiang Xiang, in November. The first 6,000 copies were booked before long, and they decided to publish 10,000 more afterward.