Multi-talented artist Lily Franky was born on November 4, 1963, in Kokura, Fukuoka Prefecture. His real name is Masaya Nakagawa. After graduating from Musashino Art University, he worked as an illustrator and novelist. In 1994, he began publishing the column "Bravo B-Class Cinema" in the magazine Pia. His darkly humorous writing and illustrations became a hot topic, and in 1999, his work was published as a book titled "Goodbye, Everyone in Japan." His picture book "Oden-kun," published in 2001, was adapted into an animated version of NHK Educational TV's "Tensai Bit-kun," becoming a popular segment that aired a total of 156 episodes. In June 2005, Franky published his first full-length novel, "Tokyo Tower: Mom and Me, and Sometimes Dad." It is a story of Franky and his family's life, which he began writing while his mother was hospitalized, and is filled with his love for his mother. Within a year of its release, it sold one million copies and won the Bookstore Award, selected by booksellers nationwide, in 2006. It was soon decided to adapt it into a TV drama, and in 2007, the film won the Japan Academy Award for Best Picture.

While continuing his creative work, Frankie appeared in the 2008 film "All Around Us." His first leading role led to his remarkable achievement of becoming the oldest actor ever to win the Blue Ribbon Newcomer Award. He continued his acting career, appearing in "Like Father, Like Son" and "Violent" in 2013. He won numerous film awards, including the Japan Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.

He also leads the rock band "TOKYO MOOD PUNKS" and writes and composes music under the pen name "Elvis Woodstock." His diverse activities mean that many people have come across Frankie's work in some form.