The Japanese doctor who watered Afghanistan

Slain Japanese doctor and canal builder Tetsu Nakamura gets his dream honored and 20 mile canal opens this year

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Slain Japanese doctor and canal builder gets his dream honored

Slain Japanese doctor and canal builder Tetsu Nakamura gets his dream honored

A Japanese doctor and humanitarian Tetsu Nakamura lived in Afghanistan for more than 3 decades where he was involved in humanitarian projects. His biggest dream was to realize a water canal project to give water to the Nangarhar province. His life was cut short in 2019 by armed Taliban militants believed to be sent from Pakistan. This year Nakamura’s dream came to life and 5 years after his death the canal brings life-giving water.

Nakamura canal in Afghanistan opened in 2024. Source of photo unknown

Born in Japan, Nakamura had been granted honorary citizenship in Afghanistan, reflecting the deep connections he forged with the country through his extensive humanitarian work. Apart from medical aid, he focused on constructing water canals, which were crucial for irrigation and agriculture in the arid region.

The same location in 2003 and 2009 along a canal Dr. Nakamura helped build. Photographs courtesy of Peshawar-kai/PMS.

The same location in 2003 and 2009 along a canal Dr. Nakamura helped build. They are reminiscent of old Japan village canals. Photographs courtesy of Peshawar-kai/PMS.

After his murder (the Taliban has halted the investigation into the murder since taking over) Nakamura’s project resumed with support from the Japanese government continuing his legacy of supporting the construction of multiple health centers and hundreds of projects related to irrigation, canal construction, and clean water access.

His most significant achievement was the creation of a 20 mile canal sourced from the Kunar River, which now irrigates hundreds of acres of farmland. He has impacted millions of people.

Photographs courtesy of Peshawar-kai/PMS.

Following Nakamura’s passing, a non-governmental organization named PMS has taken up the cause to continue building canals and dams in the region.

Here is a beautiful film on his impact. Let’s not let terror win. Watch the movie, Water, Not Weapons below.

::Peshawar-Kai

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