Ichi Rittoru no Namida or 1 Litre of Tears is a 2005 Japanese drama which was adapted from a published diary of a girl named Aya who was diagnosed with an incurable disease at the age of 15. Broadcasted on Fuji TV with 10 episodes, this stars Sawajiri Erika and Nishikido Ryo.

Ikeuchi Aya is living an ordinary life, an upcoming high school student, she is the eldest daughter of a tofu shop owner and a government health worker. As soon as she enters high school, unusual things began happening to her. She seemed to walk strangely and falls a lot. When her mother takes her to a doctor, they finally were able to understand that Aya is suffering from Spinocerebellar Degeneration, a disease where the cerebellum of the brain deteriorates. Gradually, the victim won't be able to walk, talk, write or eat. It is a cruel disease since up to this moment, there is still no cure for it. One, if not the most heartwarming drama, 1 Litre of Tears centers around humanity. Aya may only be 15 years old but she was courageous enough to face the cruelty of how her sickness will affect her future. She may not be able to accept it the first time she was diagnosed but as time went by, with the help of her friends and family, she finally acknowledged her sickness and begins to see
her life differently. After 10 years of battle with SCD, Aya succumbs to death at the age of 25.

The story began with the obvious notion to the audience that the main protagonist has an illness. First episode opens with the narration explaining how Spinocerebellar Degeneration Disease affects the diagnosed. It flashbacked to the time when Aya and her family haven't found out yet, making it more saddening as it showed that Aya has a happy family and a budding teen life. It was saddening because one will be quite aware that this perfect and happy family will experience heartbreak soon. The first episode also introduced me to Asou Haruto, a brooding boy who acts as if his life is an excess baggage. He looks depressed and it is certain that there is something going on with him that's making him exude that aura. It was later on explained that Haruto once had an older brother who died in an accident while they were on a camping trip. The guilt was too much for the boy as he saw how his parents rather have his older brother than him.

The dilemma of Aya's parents on how they are going to tell her that she has SCD was very heartbreaking. The actors playing Mr. and Mrs. Ikeuchi were so amazingly wonderful, I can really feel the frustrations. It's as if they are taking me into the scene and letting me feel how they feel. My heart was being constantly ripped apart once Aya knew. It was more heartbreaking that she still feels positive about everything, not giving up to her sickness. This drama also made me reflect how cruel our society is. As her disease starts ripping her apart, the scenario mirrors what other people can say about you. There are constant rumors, harsh whispers and pointing fingers and her friends can be no more different.

Ichi Rittoru no Namida made me realize how lucky I am that I am not sick. How fortunate it is not to be disabled. The ugly perception of other people to those who can't walk or talk properly was also highlighted in this series. One thing that is also endearing in this show is the fact that the story was based in real- life. What's more painful is that you'll realize that there was a person who really lived and struggled through that disease. And right now, there are others who are still suffering. Basically an eye opener, backed up with Remioromen's Konayuki and Sangatsu Kokonoka at certain places, every episode is a masterpiece, all instances are so heartfelt. Aya's pictures by the end of every episode backed up by K's Only Human adds more melancholy.
Sawajiri and Nishikido also display palpable chemistry even if their love angle isn't the focal point of the drama. However, I still feel very sad with their love for each other. Asou's devotion with Ikeuchi reminded me of Landon Carter and Jamie Sullivan in Nicholas Sparks' A Walk To Remember. Albeit there was no wedding, there was no kiss and there was never really a romantic scene between Asou and Ikeuchi to begin with, I still felt giddy everytime they interact with each other. Asou's boyish smirk easily complements with Ikeuchi's beautiful smile.

At the very end, 1 Litre of Tears shows how much love you can give to one person and how the words and situation of one person can affect all the people who surround her. After watching it, I became more appreciative with life, finding more ways how to be a better me, trying to provide inspiration to others. Thank you, Aya.