Existing archives already hold truth

Archives are supposed to be resources from which people can obtain a real picture of past. However, the Japanese government and some Japanese scholars are hoping to create an archive that does the opposite.

The Japanese government announced on Tuesday that it will build a database with some 1,500 items of so-called historical evidence to support the country's claims to the territory in its disputes with China and South Korea. Some 500 items, including land registration certificates and documents on the exploratory mining of mineral resources, pertain to China's Diaoyu Islands.

Japan plans to make the database part of its international PR campaign by translating the archives into English and offering free online access.