Mateusz Urbanowicz
Mateusz Urbanowicz is a Polish-born illustrator best known for his work on acclaimed Japanese animated films such as Your Name 「君の名は。」. He has gained international recognition for his illustrated series depicting old storefronts and nostalgic cityscapes of Tokyo, capturing the charm of the city's lesser-known neighborhoods. His meticulous work often tells small, intimate stories about the people who might live behind the doors and windows he paints. Through his unique perspective, Mateusz brings Tokyo's everyday beauty to life, captivating audiences worldwide. In addition to illustration, he works in animation, comics, and video, demonstrating the breadth of his talents. He is also the author of several acclaimed art books, including Tokyo Storefronts and Tokyo at Night , which reflect his deep appreciation for the atmosphere and spirit of the Japanese capital.
THE EXHIBITION
This exhibition is an original and exclusive presentation, created especially for the HIS Paris boutique. The space was uniquely designed based on the illustrations of Mateusz Urbanowicz, offering a fully immersive experience. Signed prints by Mateusz—featuring works from his books Tokyo Storefronts and his latest release Imaginary Storefronts —were printed directly in Japan and then flown to Paris for this event. Each print is a limited edition, individually signed, available for purchase on a first-come, first-served basis. In addition, Mateusz created exclusive illustrations of the Tokyo and Paris storefronts featured during the workshops, created especially for this exhibition.
The exhibition will feature some original works by the artist Mateusz Urbanowicz, as well as several prints signed by the artist, which will be available for purchase.
"TOKYO STOREFRONTS "
“Tokyo Storefronts” is Mateusz’s much-loved illustration series, highlighting the nostalgic charm of Tokyo’s traditional buildings. Initially published online in 2016, the project quickly gained attention, garnering press articles and TV coverage, and eventually becoming a viral phenomenon. This long-awaited collection has finally been published in book form. The volume brings together a total of 50 illustrations—10 of the original works, as well as 40 previously unpublished creations. It also includes “behind-the-scenes” content such as preparatory sketches, architectural diagrams, and anecdotes related to each building, offering an in-depth look at both the artwork and the city itself.
