After years of foot-dragging, Japan is taking its first significant step toward shedding its reputation as a looter of cultural assets.

According to sources, the government will submit to the Diet an international treaty banning illicit traffic in statues, paintings, manuscripts, books and other objects of historical or archaeological value, with hopes that the Diet will ratify the pact during the 150-day ordinary session convening late next month.

After getting the treaty ratified, Japan will formally join the treaty, the sources said, adding that the treaty's ratification is almost certain.