Mateusz Urbanowicz
Mateusz Urbanowicz is a Polish-born illustrator , best known for his work on acclaimed anime films such as “Your Name”「君の名は。」. He gained international recognition for his illustrated series depicting old storefronts and nostalgic cityscapes of Tokyo, capturing the charm of the city's lesser-nown neighborhoods. His detailed artwork often tells quiet, intimate stories of the people who might live behind the doors and windows he paints. Through his unique perspective, Mateusz brings Tokyo’s everyday beauty to life, enchanting audiences around the world. In addition to illustration, he works across animation, comics, and video, showcasing his wide-ranging talents. He is the author of several celebrated art books, including Tokyo Storefronts and Tokyo at Night, which reflect his deep appreciation for the city’s atmosphere and spirit.
THE EXHIBITION
This exhibition is an original, exclusive showcase created only for the HIS Paris store. The space has been uniquely designed based on the illustrations of Mateusz Urbanowicz, offering a fully immersive experience. Signed prints by Mateusz — featuring artworks from his books Tokyo Storefronts and his latest release Imaginary Storefronts have been personally printed in Japan and air-shipped to Paris for this event. Each print is a limited, individually signed edition, available for purchase on a first-come, first-served basis. Additionally, Mateusz has created exclusive illustrations of the Tokyo and Paris storefronts featured in the workshops, drawn especially for this exhibition.
TOKYO STOREFRONTS
"Tokyo Storefronts" is a beloved illustration series by Mateusz, depicting the nostalgic charm of traditional buildings still found in Tokyo. Originally published online in 2016, the series quickly gained widespread attention, featured in newspapers and on television, and became a viral sensation. This long-awaited collection has finally been published in book form. The book includes a total of 50 illustrations—10 of the original works plus 40 newly drawn pieces. It also features behind-the-scenes content such as making-of sketches, architectural diagrams, and stories related to each building, offering a deeper look into both the artwork and the city itself.
