Baghdad: Iraq and Japan have reached an agreement to expand their cultural and scientific cooperation, particularly in the field of archaeology. Japanese archaeological missions are set to return to Iraq to assist with excavation work and provide training for researchers. Additionally, plans are underway to bring Japanese and Egyptian instructors to Iraq to support Japanese-language education, as announced by Laith Majid Hussein, director of the Japanese-Iraqi Institute for Archaeological Education.

According to Iraqi News Agency, Hussein emphasized that the Japanese-Iraqi Institute for Archaeological Education in Mesopotamia is a collaborative scientific project between the two nations aimed at teaching archaeology and conducting research on the civilization of Mesopotamia and surrounding areas. The institute seeks to foster academic and archaeological collaboration between younger generations in Iraq and Japan through workshops, specialized lectures, and the dissemination of information on its website.

Efforts are being made to re-establish Japan’s presence in Iraq’s archaeological sector, a presence that was disrupted due to years of conflict. Hussein highlighted the extensive experience Japanese archaeologists possess in excavation work in Iraq. With the improvement in security conditions, Japanese officials have shown readiness to resume their efforts in the country.

The return of Japanese missions is expected to play a critical role in training Iraqi students and researchers in archaeological techniques, while also providing opportunities for Japanese students to engage in excavation activities. Furthermore, the collaboration includes the Center for the Revival of Arab Scientific Heritage in Baghdad, established in 1977 with Japanese cooperation, which has been instrumental in strengthening ties with international bodies in support of heritage and archaeology.

Iraq is also preparing to host the International Assyriology Conference in Baghdad in 2026, aiming for broad participation from researchers worldwide. However, due to previous conflicts, the conference has been postponed, requiring a new application and approval from international organizations.

Hussein highlighted that the cultural and scientific exchanges with Japan serve as a significant step toward strengthening relations in cultural, academic, and archaeological fields, extending beyond archaeology to include scientific publishing and collaborative opportunities. The establishment of a Department of Japanese Language and Literature at the College of Arts marks a promising development, encouraging interest in Japanese culture and language among Iraqis and promoting more extensive exchanges.

In the near future, Japanese and Egyptian instructors will be arriving in Iraq to teach Japanese, further solidifying the academic and cultural partnership and contributing to tangible advancements in Iraqi-Japanese relations.