
Ice cream taster; sleep research participant; full-time sperm donor. There are few jobs that could ever be described as truly enjoyable, but playing with an adorable panda cub is probably one of them.
Despite often losing out to Tokyo’s Ueno Zoo in terms of column inches, Wakayama Prefecture zoo and theme park Adventure World has seen great success in its panda breeding programme over the years. Since 2000, the zoo has seen more than a dozen births, all of which have survived, with two new cubs being born just last year, making it one of the most successful captive breeding programmes in the world.
Of course, taking care of an endangered species like giant pandas is no walk in the park—Adventure World’s birthing numbers are certainly no fluke—but playing with them while they’re still little is most definitely a roll (and a tumble and slide) down the hill, if this recent video is any indication.
Does that, or does that not look like one of the most enjoyable jobs in the world?
The cub—most likely either Ouhin or Touhin, the cubs born on December 1 last year—appears to be having a truly marvellous time, constantly drawn to the slope at the edge of his enclosure as if by some powerful magnetic force. No matter how many times his keepers try to carry him away or grab hold of him, he just keeps dashing over there for a quick slide!
▼ “Release me! I must get back to the slope!”
▼ “No!”
▼ “I said n–oh, he’s gone.”
You can find more information about Adventure World and its adorable—and clearly very happy and healthy—pandas at its official website.
Screenshots: YouTube/N.Funny
[ Read in Japanese ]




Teeny tiny giant panda baby born in Japan【Photos】
Popular Japanese treat Tokyo Banana gets special makeover for baby panda’s debut at Ueno Zoo
Hand-washed pandas look adorable, melt our hearts【Video】
Creepy or cute? Feel the Panda Train’s intense gaze before sightseeing in resort town Shirahama
Japan announces sudden 500-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
Japanese sweets brand creates new drinkable Cigare and we’re totally here for it
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
“Phantom Egg Shop” opens in Japan, with a dozen rare Japanese varieties
Starbucks Japan creates special drink bottle bags, adorable stickers for all 47 prefectures[Pics]
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino, tea and soda drinks for summer
Starbucks Japan sells Valencia Flavoured Syrup, and here are four ways to use it this summer
Enjoy the world’s oldest gyoza chain hidden just outside Shinjuku Station
Forget Tokyo go-karts – there’s a new way to sightsee on four wheels in Japan
Japanese sweets shop sells an ohagi so exquisite it sells out by noon
7-Eleven Japan to start selling Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches this summer
Starbucks Japan releases new limited-edition summer drinks…and a pastry for dunking
New Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel style
Uniqlo reveals third round of massive 100-year-anniversary manga T-shirts for Jump’s Shueisha
Even at twice regular Daiso price, this handy item is still great for summer travel in Japan
New official Ghibli anime food cookbook will teach you how to make Ponyo’s ramen and more
Japanese convenience store Lawson launches new “mini supermarket” chain, L Minimart
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]