Dr. Mahmoud al-Qaisi, a professor of European history at the college of arts, university of Baghdad won the Japanese foreign minister award for 2014 for role and contribution in introducing the Japanese culture, history and civilization and for his contribution in deepening the academic understanding between Iraq and Japan and in the promotion of friendly relations between Japan and other countries. This is the first time that such an award is granted for an academic figure from the Middle East and the Arab world and especially from Iraq. Dr. Mahmoud Al-Qaisi has contributed in establishing the Japanese historical studies program at the college of arts since 2007since a generation of young specialists of Iraqi academics has appeared now who are specialized in Japanese development experience and the history of modern and contemporary Japan. This excellence came as a result of the efforts made by the college of arts to promote its relations with many Japanese academic and research institutions through many research programs, conferences and fellowships, along with its multiple publications on the Japanese experience and relations between Iraq and Japan. Gaining this award reflects the seriousness of the Iraqi universities and the recognition of their efforts received globally, also it reflects the quest of the Iraqi academics aimed at achieving international successes at the scientific and educational levels. The Japanese embassy in Baghdad held an official celebration during which his His Excellency, the Japanese ambassador in Baghdad “Kazuya nashida” presented the award in the presence of the Japanese charge d’affaires in Iraq “kansoki nakao’oka” and Dr. Zuhair humadi, head of the high commission for the development of education in Iraq, Dr. Falah al-Asadi, president of al-Mustansiriyah university, prof. Dr. Salah al-jabri, dean of the college of arts at Baghdad university, professor Jamil al-Najjar, dean of the college of basic education and a number of academics and graduates from the Japanese studies program.