1 Litre of Tears (2005)
A profoundly moving Japanese drama about courage, family, and the will to live in the face of an incurable illness.
1 Litre of Tears - Series Information
- Original Title: 1リットルの涙
- First Air Year: 2005
- Last Air Year: 2005
- Created by: Takao Kinoshita, Shosuke Murakami
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama, Family
- Content Rating (US): TV-G
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (48 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 11
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- First Air Date: October 11, 2005 (United States - TV-G), October 11, 2005 (Brazil - 12)
- Networks: Fuji TV
- Alternative Titles: 一升的眼泪 (CN), บันทึกน้ำตาหนึ่งลิตร (TH), 1 Litre no Namida (JP), A Diary of Tears (US), 1리터의눈물 (KR), 1 Litro de Lágrimas (MX), 一公升的眼淚 (TW)
- Production Companies: Fuji Television Network
- Production Countries: Japan
1 Litre of Tears - Plot
1 Rittoru no Namida is a Japanese television drama for Fuji Television about a girl who was diagnosed with an incurable degenerative disease at 15, but was able to continue her life until her death at the age of 25.
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1 Litre of Tears - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Takao Kinoshita
- Shosuke Murakami
Main Cast
- Erika Sawajiri
- Hiroko Yakushimaru
- Ryo Nishikido
- Riko Narumi
- Yuma Sanada
- Ai Miyoshi
- Momosuke Mizutani
- Ryô Hashizume
- Naohito Fujiki
- Takanori Jinnai
Writers
- Michiru Egashira
- Satomi Oshima
1 Litre of Tears - FAQs
Is 1 Litre of Tears based on a true story?
Yes, the series is directly inspired by the real diary of Aya Kito, a Japanese teenager diagnosed with spinocerebellar ataxia in the 1970s. She kept a diary documenting her daily struggles until she could no longer write. Her diary was published posthumously and became a bestseller in Japan.
What disease does Aya have in 1 Litre of Tears?
Aya is diagnosed with spinocerebellar ataxia, a rare and incurable degenerative neurological condition that progressively impairs coordination, speech, and movement. There is no cure, and the disease slowly robs her of her physical abilities while leaving her mind intact — making her story all the more heartbreaking.
Who plays Aya Ikeuchi in 1 Litre of Tears?
Aya Ikeuchi is portrayed by Erika Sawajiri, whose raw and emotionally devastating performance became one of the most celebrated acting turns in Japanese television history. Her portrayal of Aya's gradual physical decline while maintaining an inner spirit of resilience is widely regarded as the emotional core of the series.
Is 1 Litre of Tears worth watching?
Absolutely, if emotionally powerful storytelling resonates with you. The series is considered a landmark of Japanese drama, praised for its honest, unsentimental portrayal of illness and family love. It earned a devoted international following and remains one of the most affecting tearjerkers in Asian television history.
Where can I watch 1 Litre of Tears?
Streaming availability for 1 Litre of Tears varies by region. Check JustWatch for the most up-to-date viewing options in your country, including any subscription streaming, rental, or purchase platforms currently carrying the series.
How many episodes does 1 Litre of Tears have?
The main series consists of 11 episodes, each running approximately 48 minutes, plus one special episode. This compact, miniseries format keeps the narrative tightly focused, allowing the story to build emotional momentum without overstaying its welcome — every episode carries significant weight.
What is the romance subplot in 1 Litre of Tears?
A tender romance develops between Aya and Haruto Asou, played by Ryo Nishikido, a kind-hearted classmate who grows close to her after learning of her illness. Their relationship is handled with quiet restraint — it never overshadows the central story but adds a deeply moving layer of warmth and longing.
What are similar shows to 1 Litre of Tears?
If 1 Litre of Tears moved you, consider The Hours of My Life (2014), another Japanese drama about a young person facing terminal illness, or Sky of Love (2008) for a similarly emotional romantic tragedy. My So-Called Life (1994) also captures the raw vulnerability of adolescence with comparable emotional honesty.
More About 1 Litre of Tears
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