Author and illustrator Lily Franky has been cast in his first starring role in a major film. He is currently best known for his best-selling novel "Tokyo Tower," which has recently been adapted into a drama series and a film. The novel has sold 2.1 million copies to date.

"Gururi no Koto" is an original work by director Ryosuke Hashiguchi, who garnered some attention at Cannes in 2001 with his movie "Hush!"

Hashiguchi's new film is about people finding hope in life. Lily Franky plays the role of a courtroom sketch artist named Kanao, and actress Tae Kimura plays the role of his wife Shoko. The story takes place in the 1990s, involving real-life events from that time.

Lily Franky previously starred in the independent film "Moju vs. Issun Boshi" in 2004, but this will be his first lead role in a major theatrical release. This is also Kimura's first starring role in a movie.

Filming for "Gururi no Koto" will start on April 3 and is scheduled to take two months. The movie will open in theaters next year.