Documentary on Nakamura’s life receives widespread acclaim in Japan

TOKYO: In Japan, the documentary about Dr. Tetsu Nakamura, known affectionately by Afghans as “Kaka Murad,” has been viewed by thousands and continues to attract audiences. According to Japanese media reports, before Dr. Nakamura was killed in Afghanistan in 2019 at the age of 73, he had decided to go to areas where others would not go and where there was a dire need for assistance. The documentary titled “Lighting a Beacon of Hope in the Wilderness” has captured exceptional attention from viewers in Japan. Released in July 2022, it has been watched by over 150,000 people in just three years, thanks to grassroots efforts through urban gatherings and small screenings. This film is considered rare in the world of documentaries, inspiring many viewers to initiate new social projects to keep Nakamura’s legacy alive. The film reflects on his 35 years of service outside Japan, beginning with his work in a hospital in Peshawar, where he treated leprosy patients, before moving his efforts to Afghanistan. In 2000, when drought was claiming lives and children were suffering from hunger, he initiated a major irrigation project in Afghanistan that transformed barren lands into fertile fields. The same year he was awarded honorary citizenship by the Afghan government. On December 4, 2019, he was killed in an attack by unknown gunmen along with his driver and bodyguards. The film has been showcased in specialized cinemas across Japan, with community-driven screening programs established nationwide. A documentary is considered “successful” if it attracts 10,000 viewers, but this film about Nakamura has reached 150,000 in just three years, with around 70% of viewers participating in independent gatherings. One notable screening in Nagano Prefecture, led by Oishi Studio, attracted 1,300 attendees.