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InspirationIllustration

Cold in Yokohama: Mateusz Urbanowicz's enchanting illustrations of a dog about town

We have been enchanted by Mateusz Urbanowicz's watercolour illustrations once before; now we're keen to share one of his latest series, Cold in Yokohama, apparently inspired by Studio Ghibli's From Up on Poppy Hill.

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A watercolour illustration of a busy Yokohama street scene with a vintage tram, pedestrians carrying shopping bags, and Japanese signage on buildings under a blue sky with overhead power lines

"I went a few times to Yokohama and looked for the remnants of the old port city I saw in the movie. There are some places, shops and streets that still have this unique atmosphere but a lot of the old Yokohama is gone. There is no trace left of the iconic street-car, wooden dock buildings, or channels busy with barges.

"I wanted to create an illustration series showing Yokohama as I see it in my head – a modern, lively city but with this nostalgic feel to it. Also, there is nothing better than a story ending with a hot-pot party on a chilly day!"

Make sure you watch the 'Making Of' video below, to see how this charming series came about. In the meantime, enjoy browsing through his gorgeous watercolour illustrations. Or visit mateuszurbanowicz.com.

A blurred figure in a blue coat walks past a Japanese restaurant with an orange sign, whilst pedestrians queue outside
Bustling Yokohama street scene with people gathered beneath vintage signage and street lamps in Mateusz Urbanowicz's watercolour illustration
A cartoon dog wearing goggles and a striped jacket stands on a rooftop overlooking Yokohama's industrial port with warehouses, boats and a roller coaster visible below
A dog in a striped sweater reacts with alarm as a person in blue clothing tends to a steaming hot pot surrounded by red lanterns in a Yokohama street market at dusk
Figure with curly hair in red jacket stretches arms on snowy rooftop overlooking Yokohama cityscape at night, surrounded by trees and falling snow
A figure in a red jacket walks across a snowy street in Yokohama, carrying a shopping bag, whilst other pedestrians and traditional buildings are visible in the winter scene behind them
A dog in winter clothing gazes through a glass door at people dining inside a warm restaurant, with snow falling outside.
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