Tokyo Nights Illustrated by Mateusz Urbanowicz
Residential areas with their empty streets and deserted car parks after nightfall suddenly come to life under the artist's paintbrush.

© Mateusz Urbanowicz
Having studied animation in Kobe before going on to work for the animation studio CoMix Wave, where he created several pieces of background art for the celebrated anime Your Name by Makoto Shinkai, Mateusz Urbanowicz decided to become a freelance artist. A master of many talents, his work spans comic books, animation, paintings, videos, and particularly illustrations.
Illustrations that serve as a guide
He never tires of discovering the length and breadth of Tokyo, although he does have a particular preference: wandering around and documenting residential areas with their empty streets and deserted car parks after night has fallen.
Mateusz Urbanowicz transcribes his memories through illustrations produced from photographs, then shares them on the Internet. The artist also invites walkers to seek out specific locations featured in his drawings thanks to an interactive map on his official website. It’s an excellent way to become acquainted with a less familiar side of Tokyo, off the beaten track.
Tokyo at Night (2017-2018), a series by Mateusz Urbanowicz, can be found on his website.

© Mateusz Urbanowicz

© Mateusz Urbanowicz

© Mateusz Urbanowicz

© Mateusz Urbanowicz
TRENDING
-
Reiko Sudo's Textile Revolution
This textile design company that calls upon the skills of traditional weavers and dyers is now being celebrated in a book of photographs.
-
The Tattoos that Marked the Criminals of the Edo Period
Traditional tattoos were strong signifiers; murderers had head tattoos, while theft might result in an arm tattoo.
-
Recipe for Green Tea Pudding by Emi Shimizu
Matcha is appearing increasingly more often on Western dessert menus, like in this creamy pudding that contains no dairy products.
-
Recipe for Ichiraku Ramen from ‘Naruto’ by Danielle Baghernejad
Taken from the popular manga with the character of the same name who loves ramen, this dish is named after the hero's favourite restaurant.
-
Tomonoura, the Ideal Setting for the Film ‘Ponyo’
A filming location and one that has inspired many feature films, this fishing village in the Hiroshima region has preserved its authenticity.