Japan says it will give back to South Korea the remaining volumes of historical Korean royal documents looted during its early 20th century annexation of the Korean peninsula.

Japanese and South Korean news reports say Tokyo will ship 1,200 volumes of royal documents to Seoul on Tuesday, as part of an ongoing commitment to improve bilateral relations and foster cultural exchanges.

The move comes just weeks after Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda met with South Korean President Lee Myung-bak in Seoul on a mission to expand economic and trade initiatives. Mr. Noda returned five volumes of the royal treasure during his October 19 visit.

The documents include the royal protocols of Korea's Joseon Dynasty, which reigned from the 14th century to the beginning of the 20th century.

Imperial Japan annexed Korea that year and extended its rule to 1945, when its surrender to the Allied Powers ended World War Two.