The 'panda ears' you are referring to are more commonly known as Odango (dango is a type of sweet Japanese rice dumpling similar to mochi) and the hairstyle was popularized by Japanese anime characters like Sailor Moon. 'Panda ears' are also known by several other names, including 'meatballs' in the Western world - because of the round meatball-like knots on either side of the wearer's head.
How to get the Odango hairstyle
The Odango hairstyle is essentially just regular pigtails that are twisted neatly before being tied into a knot. There are several guides on the internet that will help you get the perfect Odango hairstyle, but perhaps the best way to go about styling your very first Odango buns is by following a step-by-step tutorial on such as the one above.
Scenes or sub-cultures related to Odango or Panda Ears
The Odango hairstyle, along with many other Japanese-influenced hairstyles and fashion trends is related to a spider's web of interlinked 'scenes' or sub-cultures. Some, like the Lolita or Gothic Lolita have been recognized as trendy quirks of Japanese fashion ever since publications like FRUiTS Magazine (which prints photographs of the trendiest characters of Tokyo's Harajuku district) first hit the scene in 1997.
In recent years - and with the spread of anime, manga and the popularity of Japanese computer games - the western world has seen a tide of oriental-inspired fads and trends, and large-scale conventions and meets now cater to an ever-growing fan base. These conventions often involve fans coming dressed up as their favorite anime or manga characters, and you'd be likely to see more than a few Odango hairstyles bobbing about at one!
