I’ve been following Tokyo based Polish illustrator Mateusz Urbanowicz for a good many years now ever since discovering his beautiful work Bicycle Boy (2016). A seasoned artist who has worked on anime films like Space Dandy as well as Makoto Shinkai’s Your Name, Mateusz has since going freelance in 2017 published two highly popular illustrated book Tokyo Storefronts as well as Tokyo At Night, both of which I love.
His latest illustrated art book is simply titled “Uncollected Works” and showcases utterly delightful sights of Japan pooled from 12 years (2010-2021) of the artist’s travels across the country, from busy city streets to idyllic verdant vistas and quiet temples. Rendered with soft watercolors and the occasion color pencil, the illustrations really capture the essence of Japan distinct urban and natural landscapes, making me miss Tokyo terribly ( I studied and worked in Tokyo for 6 years from 2004-9 ).
(above & below) Definitely check out the artist’s Tokyo At Night art book for more illustrations like these.
(above) This particular illustration reminds me of the displays I saw at the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum in Koganei. ( image below )
(below) I looove elaborate cross-sectional drawings like these. If you are like me, the Japanese Bathhouses Illustrated Guide by Enya Honami will delight you.
(above) Mateusz has an entire book dedicated to illustrations of Tokyo Storefronts !
Seriously, 11/10, no notes. A most mesmerizing illustrated book filled with beautiful Japanese sights from cover to cover. Also, the accompanying captions for the illustrations are bilingual ( English/Japanese ). Highly recommended.
Tech note : The binding for the book does not utilize a hard-bound spine, which allows for the book to be spread open fully/easily, but it is rather delicate as a result. Handle with care.
“Mateusz Urbanowicz – Uncollected Works マテウシュ・ウルバノヴィチ お蔵出し 2010-2021” art book details :
Dimensions – 20 x 14.8 x 1.3 cm
Soft cover, 176 pages
Full color, In Japanese & English
Buy From Amazon.com | Amazon CA | Amazon UK | Amazon FR | Amazon IT | Amazon DE | Amazon ES
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Tokyo Storefronts – The Artworks of Mateusz Urbanowicz Book Review
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Tokyo At Night – The Artworks of Mateusz Urbanowicz II Book Review
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Tokyo Storefronts – Mateusz Urbanowicz Postcard Book Review
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Hometown Roads – Mateusz Urbanowicz Postcard Book Review
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Japan Vistas 2021 DOCOMO Calendar – Mateusz Urbanowicz
September 27th, 2022 at 10:45 am
Saw this in the bookstore recently and fell in love with it instantly – it also make me missed Japan a lot. Definitely 11/10 as you rated, it is on the top of my books-to-buy!
Didn’t know he have another book aside from Tokyo Storefronts, will check out your post on it, thanks!
September 29th, 2022 at 1:48 pm
Chloe – Yep, definitely making me miss Japan as well. Hoping to visit in Spring next year ! And yes, Tokyo At Night is excellent as well, do take a look !