This dorama is about a girl who was diagnosed with a disease called “Spinocerebellar Degeneration” when she was 15 years old, and was able to continue her life until her death at the age of 25 years old.
The plot is based on the true story of a Japanese girl named Kito Aya, who had the same disease. She kept writing in her diary to remember her experiences until she could no longer hold a pen. Aya simply wished to live until the end of her life, and the purpose of writing in the diary was to remind herself to not give up. She shed tears many times, at the same time encompassed by the rich love and support from her family, friends, and boyfriend. Her diary “1 Litre of Tears” was published after her death, because of its inspiring and courageous message of
“Just being alive is such a lovely and wonderful thing.”
So far, over 18,000,000 copies of her diary have been sold.
The Review
This dorama features Sawajiri Erika, Nishikido Ryou, Narumi Riko, Yakushimaru Hiroko, Jinnai Takanori and Fujiki Naohito. Sawajiri Erika has powerfully brought out the character of Aya, and people who watch this dorama will feel compassion for her while she suffers from the illness. My tears flowed after almost every episode as I questioned myself, “What would I do if I were Aya?” This is a dorama where you can see a 15 year old young girl who was able to face her disease bravely, and tried her best to treasure the time she spent with her friends, family and boyfriend everyday she could.
To me, this was one of the best doramas of 2005, mainly because the reality of this story has enlightened me. I realized that my life is not that tough compared to those who are suffering from an incurable disease. “1 Litre of Tears” stood out for a reason: it is not because Aya was upset because of her disease, she was touched by the love and patience she received from her friends and family. I was amazed by the braveness with which she chose to live her life, as a strong girl who was only 15 years old, yet managed to face her cruel fate with a positive outlook, and tried her best to do whatever she could by herself.
For those dorama fans who loved “Beautiful Life” that starred Takuya Kimura & Tokiwa Takako, I’d bet you guys will appreciate this story too. I can feel the power of the love from her family and friends in this story, and encouraged me to be positive in my life even though there may be many difficulties and problems. I hope there will be somebody who is willing to translate the original diary by Kito Aya sold in Japan because she has a lot of meaningful words in her diary. This story contains both sadness and love, and I hope you guys will love this dorama as much as I did.
Episode 1 synopsis
This dorama starts right before Aya is confronted with the illness, Spinocerebellar Degeneration, in which the nerve cells of areas necessary for the human body to move and balance–including the cerebellum, brain stem, and spinal cord–transform and eventually disappear.
Ikeuchi Aya (Sawajiri Erika), a 15 year old girl, is the eldest daughter in a normal Japanese family. She lives with her reliable mother, Shioka, who works as a nutritionist, her father, Mizuo, the wacky owner of a tofu shop, her quiet younger brother, Hiroki, and two younger sisters, the sarcastic Ako and innocent Rika. On the day of her high school entrance exam, she left the house full of energy, but she missed her stop to get off the bus and walk to her high school because she fell asleep. She quickly got off and ran from the bus in the rain when she discovered she was late. She slipped, fell down and injured her knee. At that time, she met Haruto Aso, who was trying to skip the exam. He gave her a ride to school, the administrators allowed them to take the exam (despite the fact that Haruto was uninterested in taking it), which they both later passed.
The new semester began, Aya and Haruto were in the same class, and both were elected as the representative of their class. Aya also joined the basketball team, and was reunited with the boy who she was fond of from the male basketball team. Just as she was beginning to enjoy her high school days, Aya starts to experience some physical difficulties. She always dropped food from her chopsticks, could not estimate the distance of the objects in front of her, could not pour water into a cup without spilling it, and occasionally wobbled while walking. Her mother, Shioka, who was the only one to notice the physical changes in Aya, started to worry about what was going on.
One day, Aya’s life started to change after she tripped and fell. She couldn’t protect herself with her hands while falling and she hurt her face. After this, her illness is slowly revealed and her tragedy begins…
Purchase: “1 Litre of Tears” DVD Box
Purchase: “1 Litre of Tears” diary (in Japanese)
Purchase: “1 Litre of Tears” Original Soundtrack
Torrent: Fansub by Kioku Konseki
Torrent: Original Soundtrack
Insert song: Konayuki by Remioromen
Translation: by Kiwi and Pye (ongoing)
Translation: by Ayafan (ongoing)
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938 responses so far ↓
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Felix
// Apr 26, 2006 at 5:19 am
Since i was born, i never cry when i am watching every sad movies. But suddenly my tears come off automatically when i saw this film. This movie was very touched my heart, so i can’t stop crying .. hahaha.. ^^
From Aya, i considered something, that we should treasure every moment in our life. Because it only happen once in a life time..
Lia
// Apr 25, 2006 at 3:22 am
When i saw this drama.. i thoguht what a great person Aya was .. i didn`t believe myself that there actually was a person like that..
the drama is soo emotional.. i loved it soooo much .. * i thinki`ve cried 2 Liters Of Tears.. looool..
it`s a very touching story .. & i`m sure it will affect anyone who sees it..
dhika
// Apr 24, 2006 at 11:26 pm
first i heard the story about this dorama it’s sound like “Moment to remember” which is tragic korean love story i ever seen, but after i watch it (and i had finished it by this morning) in every volume my tears wont stop pouring, so extreme isn’t it…? the story flow soo pure, deep, and so sad… damn, it succes touch my heart, best dorama i have ever seen…
1 litre of tears, I recommended it 2 you…
huang
// Apr 24, 2006 at 4:40 am
Maybe my poor English will make you hard to catch my meaning. I am a Chinese. And I am enjoying this show with my friend. You review is absolutely good. And may I quote some them to introduce this drama to Chinese people? You can also mail to me as long as you wish. I will love to make friend with you.
RiKaNaTaLiA
// Apr 22, 2006 at 12:50 am
it’s a great movie that i ever saw.. and i cried for more than 1 litre when i whathced this movie..great job and great movie guys…congrates…
Isa Ansharullah
// Apr 21, 2006 at 3:14 am
I love it very much!! one of the bestest movies I have ever watched, I love Sawajiri Erika’s acting in that movie, it gives me a lot of spirit of achieving my obsession and understanding the meaning of life. Love you very much Erika!
Crying Nut
// Apr 20, 2006 at 8:14 pm
Impressive, thou i read the review, I feel so touched with it… a girl who is just 15 years old ont only can stand but also share her bravery to those who have the same situation…. Human lives are kind of cruel in terms of fate, but i hope i can give her mine instead of she gets the pain.
ray21
// Apr 20, 2006 at 6:37 am
need 1 galon of tears to watch the movie too…..really really good movie… ^_^
AiCheng
// Apr 16, 2006 at 5:13 am
Yeah, I’m finding for the songs too. If anyone who is kind enough to tell me where to get the songs, do tell me. I’ll be really grateful
mei
// Apr 13, 2006 at 7:55 am
i cry alot alot.. cant even stop.. i now finding their song…if any one have can send mi? pls
astrid nadya
// Apr 12, 2006 at 2:48 am
a touching drama..
i always cried..
wid
// Apr 10, 2006 at 12:11 am
it’s a great drama
i love it so much
as33
// Apr 9, 2006 at 10:02 am
this drama is really great!!
i cried over n over!!it’s so sad..
poor aya..
i love nishidiko ryo in this series..he’s so cute n sexxey..^^
blablablaidontknow
// Apr 8, 2006 at 1:47 am
this is my favorite drama so far. it’s so good and recommended. you should watch it [for those who havent watched it yet]
nice review.
MIN
// Apr 3, 2006 at 6:23 am
hi~ i watched a few previews on this show and wanted badly to watch all the episodes. so i was wondering where i could download the episodes from internet. do u have any ideas?
Shing Vang
// Apr 2, 2006 at 6:33 pm
This drama touched my heart. It made me also realize that life isn’t as bad as I thought. It made me realize that there are millions and millions of peolpe like Kito Aya that suffers from these deseases and is still able to keep themselves postive. I do also hope taht someone will translate the diary by Kito Aya into english.
dave
// Mar 30, 2006 at 9:04 am
Watched Beautiful life before but it never make me fall a drop of tear! Never cried when watch sad sad movie, but guys and gals.. This is the 1st movie that really make me cry from the 1st episode till the last… (who said that guy cannot cry) OMG! i try to pull myself up but i fail.. yet my tears dropping like water…
so.. 1 litre of tears really the best.. watch it and u won’t regret.. but remember for those gals with soft heart please get a tower instant of tissue to wipe ur tears.. hehe..
Aya gambateh~
Joseph
// Mar 28, 2006 at 1:06 am
Very touching film..
may be based the real story.,,,, really make me to cry and cry again!
anshi
// Mar 27, 2006 at 4:41 am
this dorama is very amazing :) it makes me almost cried(i am a man) in each episode. In my place (indonesia), i think it’s sure for this dorama to become a hits(but i don’t know when the released after all). I miss erika mostly for her cute face in each scene and i hope she will make another movie as soon. maybe i am going to see it again in my weekend. Ganbatte (keep try) !!
chuewy
// Mar 26, 2006 at 3:13 pm
love this drama movie…so sad..
adam
// Mar 25, 2006 at 10:20 am
very-very-very touching…
u must watch it!!!!
Asma
// Mar 25, 2006 at 1:37 am
This drama touches me in my heart. It makes my cried in each episode. Maybe my tears will fit in five gallons. It was very hard for the real Aya. It is very hard for the person to lose the control of his/ her body. Even Aya is dead her believes still alive. She wanted to help other people and she helps me to change my feelings to everyone and even they I look to the live is changed. I did some research on her disease it is a very scary sickness I hope they will find a cure for it.
By the way ….I will start writing my diary ^_^!!
husni
// Mar 20, 2006 at 2:53 pm
Hi all,
Good drama… and i cant believe thats its based on a true story..
her mother and aya himself are strong persons, respect!
and oh yeah, can someone tell me what kind of desease she actually has?? cant find information about it on the internet
Salwa
// Mar 18, 2006 at 2:00 pm
Hi,
I’m really intrested in this drama, im from london, and was hoping if there is a channel i can watch it from over here, sounds like a real emotional story, and well i’d just like to watch it. After reading your review about the story i am very fond of it. I’m sure its a great story and so want to read the book and watch the drama.
Aldy
// Mar 15, 2006 at 4:20 pm
exelent…
two tumbs up !!!!
I can’t hold my tears when I watched it…..
Dan
// Mar 7, 2006 at 5:07 pm
Well written review, it is an excellent drama that truly touches deep in the soul. I’ll admit, that even though i’m a guy, i actually cried after watching one episode. =’( yeah, i’m a sucker, but its an amazingly sad story. And the fact that it was based on reality makes it worse.
Makes you value your own life and health even more.
Gen
// Mar 2, 2006 at 6:24 pm
I love this entry.
I finished this movie a couple of months ago and it has effected my whole point of view in life. Like what everyone else is saying, it made me realize how lucky I am with what I have. This movie not only opened my eyes, but changed my outcome of how I need not to complain with what I don’t have, realization came to mind after watching this movie– how precious LIFE is and how we must not take advantage of it. Just typing this gets me all choked up because this movie was so touching. This movie defined the best of the best, I don’t think any other japanese drama can top this (in my point of view). I think I cried more than 1 litre of tears…
venom559
// Feb 23, 2006 at 10:25 pm
one of the best drama movies I have seen.
I cried so hard my tears run dry.
this is absolutely a must see drama.
jamess
// Feb 21, 2006 at 3:09 am
PuccaShells you can find it on
http://aznv.tv/en/drama/p.iD-Nzk=/
but you will aslo need to make a account on their website to watch it, and it is free.
PuccaShells
// Feb 20, 2006 at 6:09 pm
O.M.G I saw episodes 1 and 2 on youtube, and I loved it, even thhough I only watched that much…but does anyone know where I can watch all the episodes without downloading it?
jamess
// Feb 20, 2006 at 2:25 am
I watched 1 Litre of Tears and it made me think of how we live our life and as I watched this it made me cry and that was very touching for me.
The quote I liked from her was “People shouldn’t dwell on the past. Its enough to try your best in all that you’re doing now.”
I believe every one would get some message out of her life and every one should read the book １リットルの涙 as it is more touching than the series and you get to feel like she was and how she never gave up.
Only if every one was like Aya, they would understand how important life is.
Kellie
// Feb 19, 2006 at 5:39 pm
Hey, I’m watching this dorama right now.
About the girl, Kito Aya, I want to read her Diary.
Where can I buy it at?
I checked the net, can’t find jack.
Who is it by? I tried Kito Aya, didn’t work.
LOL. Who re-published it?
Lemme know ASAP. Thanks.
I love your review btw.
Tell alot but doesn’t tell it all.
Just… it sucked because you said that she’d die at age 25.
Mitsuki
// Feb 4, 2006 at 1:21 pm
very very touching drama and beautiful too. makes me realize how lucky i am and become more optimistic. i love it so much and cried so much
Lille
// Jan 31, 2006 at 2:26 am
I actually just finished watching the jdorama and was looking up information on google. I agree with your review whole heartedly. It’s such a beautiful story filled with so much anguish and courage. Watching her try so hard even when she faltered was truly inspiration. F* all the girls who admire superficial J-Idol bimbos like Ueto Aya, it’s really Kito Aya who’s a true heroine.
I think I cried in every single episode at least twice :P
It was simply that moving.
zaipe
// Jan 30, 2006 at 7:33 am
I finished this drama last night. And let me just say this: I haven’t cried like that for 10 years. It was so awesome all the way through. Can’t believe I liked this better than Crying Out Love.
A masterpiece in my opinion.
Roland
// Jan 23, 2006 at 2:36 am
I’ve never felt that to live is such a wonderful thing.
With such an incurable disease, she kept trying to survive and live, although only 15 years old. Such strength is beyond human, I think.
The value of life has changed for me.
Stephen
// Jan 23, 2006 at 12:09 am
Very good review. I’ve only seen the first 4 episodes, but I was hooked to watch the entire series from the start. This is a powerful and dramatic show, and I too agree with you in hoping that someone would translate the book so that readers here in America can understand and feel the feelings in the words that Aya writes.
tenzin
// Jan 22, 2006 at 8:46 pm
all the people in this whole world should watch this show it show u about this one girl suffer from disease….i cry at the end n it show how this disease n her courageous to never gave up one somthing like that…
EvilXKakashi
// Jan 14, 2006 at 1:27 am
Yes,I enjoyed reaading your review ,its almost done by a professional , personally i watch this drama too. The show is really great Sawajira Erika really act as aya really well, the story is interesting.It touch my heart. Able to contian her pain with a smile that girl is really FANtASTIC.
Aprilis
// Jan 13, 2006 at 2:37 am
From your plot summary and the preview of epsiode 1, this dorama does sound very promising. I have always enjoy movies that were based on novels, real life events or a true person’s life. But I’ve yet seen a drama (English, Cantonese, or Japanese) that’s based on a true story, so I’ll definitely give this a shot.
Is ‘1 Litre of Tears’ a direct translation from the Japanese title? Because I think it would be easier to look up this dorama thru the Japanese title.
Megumi
// Jan 12, 2006 at 11:38 pm
OMG~ I gotta see that dorama!!!! I’ll buy it one day…. Poor Aya! I must buy the book too!
vanggirlie
// Jan 12, 2006 at 2:13 am
that was a good review…very much along the lines of what i would have said too.
this drama was very good. it was sad but not depressing. i would say it leaves you feeling melancholy at times. also the end was fitting.
a good family oriented drama.
a plus is that ryo nishikido is there…so HOT!
Leanne
// Jan 10, 2006 at 8:59 pm
This drama was so sad. I cried every episode, and the fact that it’s based on a real story really makes the message stronger.
The strength that this girl, and the happiness she showed despite her disease was amazing. Sure, she had her very difficult moments, who wouldn’t with a disease as cruel as this? But in the end, she wanted to help and give strength to those dying as well as those living. I really hope that the book can be translated someday. I would love to read Aya’s truly beautiful words.
Excellent review!
fuminari
// Jan 9, 2006 at 11:21 pm
I’ve waited for quite sometime for this show and it arrived last week. Finished the series within 24 hours as it’s really worth the time. The character was nicely portray by the cast and the message was well deliver to the audience. No one should miss this show.
akaichou
// Jan 9, 2006 at 4:15 pm
I see it all and I think it’s one of the best J-Dorama ever!
Mokyomi
// Jan 4, 2006 at 11:02 pm
Your review brought that out to the best I can possibly imagine. I like that review very much.
As for the dorama. It has touched me and I too have been crying since episode 1. The actors and actresses, the plot was all laid out perfectly. I loved every bit of it and I encourage everyone to watch it ^^.
But illa hates you for making her watch the dorama [ even though she wanted to watch it with her own free will >
Kawai-No
// Jan 3, 2006 at 2:08 pm
What a review! i could say that, this touched me very deep and i truely say and mean that with all i got.
When peoples hear things like this it can truly change the way we live. ^^ and like Teufelinou said that this Jdorama is the bestest i can truly agree on that. very good review Jason.
Teufelinou
// Jan 1, 2006 at 8:29 pm
This Jdorama is the greatest that I saw. Contrarily to what one can believe we don’t take her in pity. Sometimes you’re crying with her and wish that you could give her some support, but it’s compassion. Aya was a cheerful girl who teach us to appreciate all the small things of life.
Lainay
// Jan 1, 2006 at 7:36 pm
Wow, great review! You seemed to really enjoy this show, I’ve heard a lot of good things about it. It does sound really touching and whatnot, about a truly devestating real life story.
Rinoa
// Jan 1, 2006 at 7:03 pm
Touching. Your review has impressed me at a deep level. It sounds extremely good and simply sad. Excellent review Jason.
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