FUKUOKA -- A memorial service for Tetsu Nakamura, the Japanese doctor killed while carrying out humanitarian work in Afghanistan last month, was held in Fukuoka on Saturday, attended by about 5,000 colleagues and general citizens.
Nakamura was the representative in Afghanistan for the nongovernmental organization Peshawar-kai and was heavily involved in the reconstruction of the country. He was 73 when he was shot to death by an armed group on Dec. 4 in eastern Afghanistan.
The service, organized by the Peshawar-kai, was held in the chapel of Seinan Gakuin University in Fukuoka's Sawara Ward. Because the large number of people wishing to pay their last respects could not all fit in the chapel, a separate table was set up outside for the condolence registry.
Lined up on the altar beside Nakamura's photo were pictures of the five others killed in the attack, including his driver and security guards.
Bashir Mohabbat, Afghanistan's ambassador to Japan, and Shinichi Kitaoka, president of the Japan International Cooperation Agency, were among the mourners.
In his opening remarks, Nakamura's oldest son Ken said his father always put action above words. "That was exactly how he lived his life," he said. "No matter what the circumstances, he would identify what was necessary to address the problem immediately at hand and take the appropriate action."
Nakamura's third daughter Sachi then gave a performance on the piano, including playing the music of Mozart that her father loved. As she played, the attendees placed roses on the altar, including some that were said to have been grown in a park in Afghanistan that was part of a greening project.
According to the Peshawar-kai, medical support, irrigation projects and other activities that were halted immediately following the attack have been successively restarting.
Following the service, Masaru Murakami, chairman of Peshawar-kai, said the group would continue Nakamura's legacy.
"It is very encouraging to see that we are supported by many people," Murakami said. "Taking into account Dr. Nakamara's wishes, we will make earnest efforts to continue the work [that he started]."
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