Aya Kito
Aya Kitō (木藤 亜也 Kitō Aya, July 19, 1962 – May 23, 1988) was a Japanese diarist. She wrote about her personal experiences living with spinocerebellar ataxia which was later published in the book 1 Litre no Namida.
Legacy
Her diary, entitled 1 Litre no Namida (1リットルの涙 Ichi Rittoru no Namida, lit. "1 Litre of Tears"), was first published in her native Japan on February 25, 1986, more than two years before her death at the age of 25. Her mother, Shioka Kitō, convinced her to publicize her diary in order to give hope to others, since Aya had always wanted to be able to help others.
Her diary was later adapted into a 2004 film, as well as a 2005 television drama series from Fuji TV in which Erika Sawajiri portrayed Kitō.
“I want to be like the air. The good-hearted person whose kindness overflows and people realize how important she was to them, once she is gone. I want to be that kind of person.”
Aya Kito
“Why did this disease choose me? I cannot carry it, if its just for the word: Fate.”
Aya Kito
“I really don’t want to say things such as ‘I want to go back as how things were before.’ I recognize how I am right now, and I will continue to live on.”
Aya Kito
“Death is not fearful. What's fearful is giving up.”
Aya Kito