Tetsu Nakamura

Japanese physician who transformed arid regions of Afghanistan into fertile land through innovative irrigation systems, improving lives of thousands.

Dr. Tetsu Nakamura (1946–2019), a Japanese humanitarian known as 'Kaka Murad' (Uncle Murad) in Afghanistan, dedicated his life to rebuilding war-torn communities. Initially arriving in 1991 to treat leprosy, he shifted focus to combating famine by reviving ancient irrigation techniques. His construction of the Zanjira Canal in Nangarhar Province transformed 16,000 hectares of desert into farmland, benefiting 600,000 people.

Nakamura adopted local customs, wore traditional attire, and integrated Afghan staff into his NGO, Peshawar-kai. His approach emphasized sustainability and cultural respect, earning him rare trust among Afghan villagers. Tragically assassinated in 2019, his death sparked nationwide mourning in Afghanistan. The Tetsu Nakamura Hospital in Jalalabad stands as a testament to his legacy.

Despite minimal international media coverage, Nakamura's work exemplifies grassroots impact. His memoir, An Endless Journey, details his philosophy: True aid is sharing the suffering of those you help.