How did various cultural activities sponsored in Manchukuo help the Japanese colonial regime work, and how did they continue even after the end of World War II? Taking the case of antiquities surveys, this article explores the role of Manchukuo in the colonial history of the Japanese Empire, highlighting the relationship between imperialism and knowledge. Given the rising awareness of national sovereignty across East Asia the 1930s, Manchukuo promulgated laws relating to preservation of antiquities and began a “cooperative” project with Japan to conduct academic surveys. Although surveys had their military and political purposes, they also corresponded with the needs of Manchukuo and Japan. The Cultural Association of Japan and Manchukuo was a semi-official organization that carried surveys and also helped resolve the ownership of antiquities. Japan could also search for Chinese economic and natural resources, and even eliminate anti-Japanese forces. In addition, Manchukuo established its origins in the Qing Dynasty, strengthening its legitimacy as heir to the Qing. The investigation of antiquities was designed to create an “East Asia Co-Prosperity” tradition and attract Chinese collaborators’ participation in the development of “Manchurian” academic research and knowledge.