New series on spy activities of Japanese 'school'

Toa Dobunshoin, founded by Meiji-era politician Konoe Atsumaro in Shanghai in 1901, was called a Japanese "educational institution for Chinese studies" but its real purpose became clear later.

Until its closure at the end of World War II in 1945, it had sent 4,000 students in 700 groups to conduct research around China. The students were expected to hand in detailed reports as part of their graduation process. These reports were then sent to the Japanese military as references for the invasion of China.

More on this espionage history has recently begun to unfold through a project launched by the National Library of China.