More than two decades after the television drama touched audiences across Asia, Ryo Nishikido is set to return to one of the most memorable roles of his career. The actor will headline the upcoming film adaptation of 1 Litre of Tears, scheduled for release in 2027, revisiting the character Haruto Aso that he originally portrayed in the widely acclaimed 2005 television series.
The original drama, starring Erika Sawajiri, became a cultural phenomenon when it aired on Fuji TV. Known for its emotional storytelling and powerful performances, the series chronicled the life of Aya Ikeuchi, a teenage girl who is diagnosed at the age of 15 with the rare degenerative illness spinocerebellar degeneration. Her struggle with the disease and her determination to live fully despite the worsening condition deeply moved viewers.
The story was adapted from a real-life diary written by the real Aya Kito, whose autobiographical writings later became a bestselling memoir series with total sales exceeding two million copies. The television drama also achieved remarkable ratings success, climbing from 13.5 percent for its premiere episode to a peak of 20.5 percent for the finale, and later inspiring a special episode that continued the narrative.
In the drama version, Ryo Nishikido played Haruto Aso, a classmate who gradually develops a profound bond with Aya. His character’s quiet devotion and unwavering support for her during her illness became one of the emotional pillars of the story, leaving a lasting impression on audiences.
The upcoming film will once again center on Haruto Aso, this time portraying him years later with a more mature perspective shaped by time and experience. Early teaser footage reportedly offers a glimpse of the character’s older self, hinting at a continuation of the emotional journey that began in the television series.
For Ryo Nishikido, returning to the role holds deep personal meaning. The actor described the project as closely connected to the beginning of his acting career, noting that revisiting the character after so many years feels like a rare and meaningful opportunity.
Music will also play an important role in the film’s emotional atmosphere. The band Remioromen, whose songs became inseparable from the original drama’s identity, will once again contribute to the soundtrack. Their iconic track “Konayuki” and the beloved song “March 9” are expected to reappear in renewed form as theme music for the film.
Vocalist Ryota Fujimaki expressed hope that the new adaptation will resonate with contemporary audiences while preserving the emotional power that made the original story so memorable. By combining familiar elements with a new cinematic interpretation, the upcoming film aims to reconnect long-time fans with the story while introducing it to a new generation of viewers.
