This show is probably one of the best ever made.Is based on Aya Kito story, a girl with an incurable disease who never lost the will to get better.Erika Sawajiri plays Aya masterly, through her we can see how the upcoming disease will change her life forever and how the world she knew slowly fade away.To me one of the best things of the show is Ryo Nikishido character,Asou Haruto,A lost boy who falls in love with Aya even before to know that she was ill and after knowing he decides to stand next to her no matter what, their relation is so pure during the whole show, they don t even touch each other but you can't stop to feel the deep love that the boy feels for her. Aya's mother is played by hiroko Yakushimaru, her performance is full of love and tenderness and you can feel how deep the love between mother and daughter is...All the cast of the show is perfect and every chapter is great.. the show finds the beauty of the sadness and talks about how painful real love can be.it was the first Asian drama I have never seen and since then I have not stopped to watch dramas
20 Reviews
Be prepared to cry a liter of tears over this extremely tragic yet unbelievably inspiring drama...
barcafalcon7 October 2009
the series starts with a shocking speech about aya's(main character) future,a great looking girl whose kind expression and smile make the audience to fall in love with her character in the first ten minute,the ten minute warm-up for an eleven_episode of great drama that is perfectly formed with superb script,acting,cinematography,and music... it's one of those dramas that you know how it ends as you are informed in the first minute of the series...BUT it's a story about hope,inspiration ,and love ...and Aya's challenging and extremely strong personality makes you accompany her through her pains,sadness,and hopes... the series is based on the diary of Aya kito but one thing is added to the script to make the series more dramatic and that's Asou ,Aya's classmate whose involvement in Aya's life create some of the most dramatic and unforgettable moments in the history of Japanese dramas... at the end of each episode you witness a slideshow of Aya's life accompanied by over the top song... well that's about it...A liter of tears stands next to nobuta wa produce as my favorite jdramas,Do not miss it.but remember don't except funny moment.Arigato..
A sad and great drama with a life lesson behind it
AndrewTheAsian3 February 2010
Warning: Spoilers
This is about a 15 year old girl named "Aya" that enters high school full of promises and hopes. Liked by everybody, her life is about perfect at this point, until she is diagnosed with a cruel disease that slowly breaks down her motor skills like walking or talking, ultimately leading to death. Because of this disease, she has to change schools, and her everyday activities are now large obstacles. Devastated, she receives support from her family, friends and her high school lover. With the support of these people, she continues to live her life as best as she can in the most positive attitude possible, even though she knows she's actually not getting any better with the therapy. As her condition worsens, she accepts it more, but becomes more saddened from it. Everybody around her learns a valuable lesson about life with her courage to face the evil glances, positive attitude towards life and persistence to fight this disease. I was skeptical about this drama when I first heard about it, "so sad where you'll cry a liter of tears, hence the title," I've never really watched dramas even and I am quite the cold hearted, look death in the eye kind of guy, I couldn't possibly tear up, much less cry from this. Boy was I wrong. No matter how hard I tried to hold back, the tears just came as they pleased. I didn't tear up from Aya's condition so much, but just watching her family and friends facing the troubles with her and doing anything they can to help lessen her pain was what made me sad. Having her family and friends besides her this whole time, watching her becoming worse and them not being able to do anything about her condition really got to me (in a sad way). But in the end, you attain this message and though you are sad, you feel glad that your not in Aya's shoes. You start appreciating life more. One of the best things I've EVER watched, filled with scenes that will make any hard head cry, a drama ANYBODY should watch. I promise you won't regret watching this. Out of 10, I'd rate this a million. Just go watch it, you'll see what I'm talking about. Oh by the way, this drama has a awesome track list. Great actors, great plot, great music, what's not to love?! Don't forget to watch the special episodes. The second part to this.
"One litre of tears" is an understatement, I cried buckets...
way2smart9 February 2016
Warning: Spoilers
Phenomenal stuff! I am speechless. This heart-rending story grapples with some of live's most difficult questions and themes. Why are certain people afflicted with cruel illnesses, misfortune or tragedy whilst others live a comparatively easier life? Diseases are indifferent to those who get affected. Even if you are kind, intelligent, gifted, etc., dreams, hopes, and a future can be snatched from you in an instant. We often take life and good health in general for granted. We all aspire to fulfil our dreams and aspirations. We are often not happy with what we have and continue to strive to improve the quality of our lives. However, we often forget that there are people out there who are less fortunate than us, and who are pouring every ounce of their energy to just stay alive (getting by is an enormous challenge for some). The afflicted too have dreams; yet these dreams are often well outside of their reach. I cannot even begin to fathom what it must feel like to be diagnosed with an incurable disease, to see your movement and speech deteriorate gradually, to see dreams spiral into a void.
This story extraordinarily captures the progression of an incurable, debilitating disease that affects the life of a young girl (Aya). We see how her illness and worsening health critically affects those around her, namely her family, friends, doctors and school members.
The opening narrative sets the drama in context by showing us a seemingly healthy, capable, kind and happy young school girl enjoying her life. Unfortunately, she's oblivious to the incurable disease that is about to strike. The disease is a time-bomb, a sudden shift in tectonic plates just waiting to shatter the lives of those around an emotional epicenter.
Aya is 15 years old, talented in basketball, intelligent and full of life. After a few unusual incidences, it becomes clear to her mother that something is odd. Her mother's suspicion is confirmed with the heart-shattering news dropped by the neurologist who diagnoses Aya. The neurologist's words send shivers down everyone's spines: SCD, an incurable, degenerative disease that affects the peripheral nervous.
At first, Aya's mother refuses to accept the diagnosis. However, after the news sinks in, she wants Aya to be sheltered from the truth (at all cost) . The father who is generally upbeat and fully supportive of his children gets overwhelmed with anger and grief, for his daughter has been burdened to carry such a heavy and crushing fate. "The doctor must have made a mistake!" he vents.
One cannot hide the truth for too long... Aya realises that something is very odd about her illnesses. Using the internet, she finds out about her disease. When her findings get confirmed at the doctor's in the presence of her parents, we begin to understand that this is going to be one hell of an emotional roller coaster. When Aya asks the doctor, with tears in her eyes, why the disease had to choose her despite her only being 15 years old, the doctor gets stumped. Her piercing and desperate glance searches for an impossible answer... This was painful to watch. I cried.
The doctor is dedicating his life and energy to help patients who are are afflicted with this horrible disease. He realises the limits of scientific research and progress. It pains him to see that often his patients are the ones who have to console him and provide him with energy and motivation to keep persevering in his research to find a cure. His patients have such large resolve and desire to live, albeit their daily struggle, that one cannot help but feel moved and inspired.
This drama was incredibly realistic. The parents of Aya acted so well. I really liked her father and mother. They were genuinely compassionate and loved Aya and her siblings unconditionally. The amount of sacrifice the parents were willing to make to ease the suffering of their precious daughter was ineffable. Parents are truly great.
The scenes with Ayas's friends were also interesting, especially the one were the girl with the glasses admitted to the class (in the absence of Aya) that she was tired of having to look after Aya daily, and that it was affecting her studies. She loved Aya but she could not keep helping her indefinitely. When Aya was listening to how the class viewed her disability, it was harrowing. I cried again. Aya inevitably understood that her friends had dreams and ambitions, that it would be unreasonable to expect their help and indefinite presence. She must have felt like an obstacle to those around her. Whilst everyone was moving ahead, Aya was stuck in time, unable to accomplish her dreams. A sense of loneliness crept in. Even with her would-be boyfriend, things became complicated. Aya believed that a relationship in her state would be unfair on her boyfriend. It would be inconceivable. When she thanked him for his kindness and time in a letter that she wrote to terminate her relationship, I cried.
The acting was incredible throughout. Human thoughts and actions were portrayed realistically. The parents, Aya, the doctor, Aya's boyfriend, the boyfriend's father, etc., acted incredibly well. The script was superb. Cinematography, soundtrack... Bravo!
We must learn to appreciate life and find ways to play with the cards that we are dealt. Life is not fair, but we can look around us for inspiration to do whatever we can. Treasure every moment you can, because we may never know when it is too late, when it is time for us or someone else to go. Cherish your family and parents in particular, for they have raised you and are willing to stake so much for your health, happiness and wellbeing.
10/10! A must watch.
The opening narrative sets the drama in context by showing us a seemingly healthy, capable, kind and happy young school girl enjoying her life. Unfortunately, she's oblivious to the incurable disease that is about to strike. The disease is a time-bomb, a sudden shift in tectonic plates just waiting to shatter the lives of those around an emotional epicenter.
Aya is 15 years old, talented in basketball, intelligent and full of life. After a few unusual incidences, it becomes clear to her mother that something is odd. Her mother's suspicion is confirmed with the heart-shattering news dropped by the neurologist who diagnoses Aya. The neurologist's words send shivers down everyone's spines: SCD, an incurable, degenerative disease that affects the peripheral nervous.
At first, Aya's mother refuses to accept the diagnosis. However, after the news sinks in, she wants Aya to be sheltered from the truth (at all cost) . The father who is generally upbeat and fully supportive of his children gets overwhelmed with anger and grief, for his daughter has been burdened to carry such a heavy and crushing fate. "The doctor must have made a mistake!" he vents.
One cannot hide the truth for too long... Aya realises that something is very odd about her illnesses. Using the internet, she finds out about her disease. When her findings get confirmed at the doctor's in the presence of her parents, we begin to understand that this is going to be one hell of an emotional roller coaster. When Aya asks the doctor, with tears in her eyes, why the disease had to choose her despite her only being 15 years old, the doctor gets stumped. Her piercing and desperate glance searches for an impossible answer... This was painful to watch. I cried.
The doctor is dedicating his life and energy to help patients who are are afflicted with this horrible disease. He realises the limits of scientific research and progress. It pains him to see that often his patients are the ones who have to console him and provide him with energy and motivation to keep persevering in his research to find a cure. His patients have such large resolve and desire to live, albeit their daily struggle, that one cannot help but feel moved and inspired.
This drama was incredibly realistic. The parents of Aya acted so well. I really liked her father and mother. They were genuinely compassionate and loved Aya and her siblings unconditionally. The amount of sacrifice the parents were willing to make to ease the suffering of their precious daughter was ineffable. Parents are truly great.
The scenes with Ayas's friends were also interesting, especially the one were the girl with the glasses admitted to the class (in the absence of Aya) that she was tired of having to look after Aya daily, and that it was affecting her studies. She loved Aya but she could not keep helping her indefinitely. When Aya was listening to how the class viewed her disability, it was harrowing. I cried again. Aya inevitably understood that her friends had dreams and ambitions, that it would be unreasonable to expect their help and indefinite presence. She must have felt like an obstacle to those around her. Whilst everyone was moving ahead, Aya was stuck in time, unable to accomplish her dreams. A sense of loneliness crept in. Even with her would-be boyfriend, things became complicated. Aya believed that a relationship in her state would be unfair on her boyfriend. It would be inconceivable. When she thanked him for his kindness and time in a letter that she wrote to terminate her relationship, I cried.
The acting was incredible throughout. Human thoughts and actions were portrayed realistically. The parents, Aya, the doctor, Aya's boyfriend, the boyfriend's father, etc., acted incredibly well. The script was superb. Cinematography, soundtrack... Bravo!
We must learn to appreciate life and find ways to play with the cards that we are dealt. Life is not fair, but we can look around us for inspiration to do whatever we can. Treasure every moment you can, because we may never know when it is too late, when it is time for us or someone else to go. Cherish your family and parents in particular, for they have raised you and are willing to stake so much for your health, happiness and wellbeing.
10/10! A must watch.
Absolutely beautiful, heart-breaking story about a girl with an incurable disease.
ideklein1726 April 2016
One Litre of Tears is a Japanese drama which follows a young girl whilst living her daily life. Unfortunately, symptoms of a terrible disease start showing and the struggle that comes with this disease is what the entire show is build on.
It's saddening to see that a show like this is flying under the radar. When (in my opinion) it should be seen by a lot of people since the producers and cast members translated the story of the girl who wrote the actual diary, very well. And may give you a few life-lessons here and there.
Everything is executed beautifully. The characters are all very like-able and it's a very bitter sweet (true) story. The show does has some flaws, but that doesn't stop me from giving it a 10 out of 10. The show made quite an impact, and is definitely a recommendation to anyone who is in for a story like this. I promise that you won't be disappointed.
It's saddening to see that a show like this is flying under the radar. When (in my opinion) it should be seen by a lot of people since the producers and cast members translated the story of the girl who wrote the actual diary, very well. And may give you a few life-lessons here and there.
Everything is executed beautifully. The characters are all very like-able and it's a very bitter sweet (true) story. The show does has some flaws, but that doesn't stop me from giving it a 10 out of 10. The show made quite an impact, and is definitely a recommendation to anyone who is in for a story like this. I promise that you won't be disappointed.
Sad but Inspiring
mariken-647-19129624 June 2016
I've watched the series back when I was 15 years old, and I remember how beautiful it was. But I don't think I've watched the whole series, only parts of it. I think at the time, it was impossible to watch the whole series where I live.
So now, 8 years later, I remembered and decided to watch it again, but all of it this time. I cried, and laughed, and felt sad, but in some way also happy. It's a very inspiring story, based on a true story. This made me even more emotional; the thought that this poor young girl actually had to go through all this, and died way too young... But the way she kept herself going on, whatever happened... it's beautiful...
Of course, in series there are always parts you don't like too much... but what do you expect after 10 hours, lol xD But those are only small parts (like the overacting of the dad and stuff), definitely not enough to ruin the story.
So I'd say, if you're looking for an inspiring, sad, but beautiful story; watch this one, and keep your tissues ready :P
So now, 8 years later, I remembered and decided to watch it again, but all of it this time. I cried, and laughed, and felt sad, but in some way also happy. It's a very inspiring story, based on a true story. This made me even more emotional; the thought that this poor young girl actually had to go through all this, and died way too young... But the way she kept herself going on, whatever happened... it's beautiful...
Of course, in series there are always parts you don't like too much... but what do you expect after 10 hours, lol xD But those are only small parts (like the overacting of the dad and stuff), definitely not enough to ruin the story.
So I'd say, if you're looking for an inspiring, sad, but beautiful story; watch this one, and keep your tissues ready :P
Literally cried 1 Litre of Tears from watching this...
DrunkenSoju4 April 2019
I remember when I first watched this at the age of 15, it was my very first Japanese drama and first drama to watch. I'm glad I had started this as my first drama to watch as it was absolutely incredible. It provide emotional connection between the every character and literally every episode had me in tears at a young age. The character development and emotional connection between everyone to the main character and how she effected those around her really showed a personal insight to real life situations. LOVED IT!
tragic yet touching
shawty8813 May 2014
1 Litre of Tears addresses the discrimination towards disabled people by screening a documentary diary of Aya showing her fear, courage, and struggles with her disease. It not only addresses the issue but also evokes emotional feelings towards the casts' performance. Each casts portrays their character perfectly making the series very enjoyable to watch. The TV series is based on a 15 year old girl, Aya Ikeuchi, who has an incurable disease that dramatically changes Aya's view of life and the relationship with her friends and family. This TV series is great for those who want to watch a tragic story with a tint of romance, however, I suggest keeping a box of tissues nearby because you might need it.
A must see
joanne-7804920 April 2019
Just finished watching this been putting it of because i knew i would cry .I cried on every episode i know it was based on a true story and some scenes are added for the drama which i think it works really well. The acting was excellent from all actors . really fell in love with japanese drama it doesnt sugarcoat anything . this is one of the best ive seen .
A tribute, not an accurate history.
forbesplaid24 May 2016
Warning: Spoilers
The series is not a completely factual and accurate history of Aya's life. I don't believe it was meant to be. It's an adaptation of her diary.
Kito Aya wasn't good at sports. She never had a boyfriend. The character Asou didn't exist. Many people didn't understand her disease and treated her poorly for it. She was plagued by doubt, fear and uncertainty her entire, short, life. She was human and she was beautiful.
Her mother, Shioka, wanted this to be a better version of Aya's life, a happier story. I don't fault her at all for it. It was enjoyable.
If you can find it, read the diary, then watch this. It is a story sometimes unbearable to read. It's heartbreaking in it's entirety. I actually appreciate the way this story was told in this series.
The series is very much worth watching and appreciating.
Kito Aya wasn't good at sports. She never had a boyfriend. The character Asou didn't exist. Many people didn't understand her disease and treated her poorly for it. She was plagued by doubt, fear and uncertainty her entire, short, life. She was human and she was beautiful.
Her mother, Shioka, wanted this to be a better version of Aya's life, a happier story. I don't fault her at all for it. It was enjoyable.
If you can find it, read the diary, then watch this. It is a story sometimes unbearable to read. It's heartbreaking in it's entirety. I actually appreciate the way this story was told in this series.
The series is very much worth watching and appreciating.
Ohh God what a story(the real story about life)
kozhawolf-3007818 May 2020
I can consider this one of the best lessons in my life,it tells you how time is important and how people around you are important especially your family,it tells you to be happy no matter what happens, it tells you enjoy your life before you get worse in anything, it really tells you what life means.
I always Wondered to watch such an amazing series, it's really hard to find Something to fit what you desire to watch, but this was beyond my expectations, I really like outstanding stories to affect my feelings and this series did it for sure. The only part I didn't like was the poor acting of some characters like (aya in last two episodes - and her friend in the disabled school) but it doesn't affect the greatness of the story.
Never seen a show ruined by the soundtrack more than this
psk9431 December 2022
Watched this with a friend, and we both agree; worst bg music in a quality show we have ever heard, that truly soiled this show. The bg music is not only too loud, but pure disney cheap teen drama style, with the same tracks being played constantly without break ruining majority of the sad drama moments.
There's a few serious drama scenes without the awful over-the-top bg music in episode 10 that really show the massive difference in delivery (transforming from a teenie bopper show to an inspiring dark drama), honestly the show would've been 8/10 without any soundtrack. Not really worth watching unless deaf or already 4+ episodes in.
There's a few serious drama scenes without the awful over-the-top bg music in episode 10 that really show the massive difference in delivery (transforming from a teenie bopper show to an inspiring dark drama), honestly the show would've been 8/10 without any soundtrack. Not really worth watching unless deaf or already 4+ episodes in.
"One Litre of Tears" quite mediocre in terms of acting and story.
atargiderlibidosu17 April 2015
Warning: Spoilers
"One Litre of Tears" quite mediocre in terms of acting and story. Acting is obviously fake and annoyingly predictable. The story itself based on a real life but it is not added any artistic feature on it and beyond that the show is unrealistic –yes, even if it is based on reality-. For example, Aya's doctor comes to the girl's house to talk with the family rather than calling them to come to his office. This is simply ridiculous and these kinds of events throughout the show damage its compelling elements. We mostly see the events from perspective of the family and the protagonist Aya. So, actually the series should be very sad. But I do not feel sad at all because the show is too fake in terms of both acting and the story.
I am at 4th episode of the show but I do not think I will finish all of the episodes or even if I finish the episodes, it will not be a delightful process. Editing is very weak and I feel like my time is wasted while watching the show. There are many unnecessarily long or awkwardly ended scenes.In general the show does not give a professional feeling. The show does not offer any interesting or innovative content.The story in terms of its describing family structures quiet vexing and cliché. One side we have relatively poor family but the members of this family are having fun and in general they seem happier. On the other side we have this socioeconomically upper class family that is cold, strict and the parents trying to impose their ideas on their only son.
I honestly find boring that the 'angel of the house' Aya is the one who caught up a terrible illness. She is this inspirational good natured and strong willed student in the class. Come on, how many times we have seen that. The predictability of the show might have been forgivable if it had any good acting and some power to make people feel things.
I am at 4th episode of the show but I do not think I will finish all of the episodes or even if I finish the episodes, it will not be a delightful process. Editing is very weak and I feel like my time is wasted while watching the show. There are many unnecessarily long or awkwardly ended scenes.In general the show does not give a professional feeling. The show does not offer any interesting or innovative content.The story in terms of its describing family structures quiet vexing and cliché. One side we have relatively poor family but the members of this family are having fun and in general they seem happier. On the other side we have this socioeconomically upper class family that is cold, strict and the parents trying to impose their ideas on their only son.
I honestly find boring that the 'angel of the house' Aya is the one who caught up a terrible illness. She is this inspirational good natured and strong willed student in the class. Come on, how many times we have seen that. The predictability of the show might have been forgivable if it had any good acting and some power to make people feel things.
Tearful masterpiece
wookiealwayshotashell14 November 2021
I didn't expect a such a emotional ride. Not only in one episode, I cried like an idiot in all 11 episodes. Aye is such an inspiring character n her family support really tried hard. It's a must watch. It really changes your thought about your life. Iam so heart fully thankfull for Japan for making this show.
Incredibly touching story
edwin-van-unen11 March 2019
It's been 12 years since I've seen this series and it's one I still remember very well. Though the story might not be unique in its kind (since it sadly happens to more than just Aya), the choice of characters, music etc. all contributed into making this series one of the best I've seen. Definitely the one that had the biggest impact on me.
Imagine sleeping at night thinking not gonna wake up tomorrow . We should /must be grateful that we're alive .
paritkatre1 May 2022
My first ever review about any show. I am out of words , what to say about this show . This show will change perspective of you towards living and about life itself , which we take for granted . Make you think about things we never sometime don't take seriously .
You will cry more than one liter of tears over this real event based drama.
ABigSaltyFish2 September 2021
In the 2010s, I told my classmates that I never cried while watching a sad movie or TV series. They listed a bunch of very famous TV series and movies, and every time my answer was negative. Then someone said to me : "Watch this dram, you will cry or lot. If you don't, please go see therapy".
I was very intrigued, so I quickly watched it. I saw a sweet, gentle, hardworking and very promising teenage girl living every moment of her life. She faced injustice from life and from the people, but she was always so strong and kept moving forward. She never gave up and inspired so many people.
I saw a caring and delicate mother who was always present to help her daughter to go through unfortunate events.
I saw a little sister with a bunch of personality traits I dislike. She grew up, she became an important pillar of the family, and she was more and more inspired by her strong-minded older sister.
Aya's classmate, Asou. The most beautiful friendship and romantic relationship ever created in the history of East Asian dramas... that was the biggest liberty the production team took from Aya Kito's real story, and it was an excellent (artistic) choice.
To anyone that may be interested to watch this, please prepare a lot of tissue and enough time to recover after finishing it.
Every time I watch it, I just can't help myself but cry more than one liter of tears.
I was very intrigued, so I quickly watched it. I saw a sweet, gentle, hardworking and very promising teenage girl living every moment of her life. She faced injustice from life and from the people, but she was always so strong and kept moving forward. She never gave up and inspired so many people.
I saw a caring and delicate mother who was always present to help her daughter to go through unfortunate events.
I saw a little sister with a bunch of personality traits I dislike. She grew up, she became an important pillar of the family, and she was more and more inspired by her strong-minded older sister.
Aya's classmate, Asou. The most beautiful friendship and romantic relationship ever created in the history of East Asian dramas... that was the biggest liberty the production team took from Aya Kito's real story, and it was an excellent (artistic) choice.
To anyone that may be interested to watch this, please prepare a lot of tissue and enough time to recover after finishing it.
Every time I watch it, I just can't help myself but cry more than one liter of tears.
Deep, Meaningful and Very Touching
yiuleungf1 August 2021
Deep and meaningful, not an ordinary drama about terminal illness. The ending episode is very touching. Super good story with very touching theme songs as well. I was in the University when this drama aired and don't have time to watch it due to busy school life. I am very happy I have a chance to watch this drama now. Highly recommended.
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