This summer season, Janu Tokyo invites guests into the whimsical world of internationally acclaimed French artist, Jean Jullien, with the arrival of The GUESTS, an exhibition that brings together contemporary art, Janu’s vibrant hospitality and the notion of connection through artistic celebration. Created exclusively for Janu Tokyo, 10 of Jean’s signature, life-sized PAPER PEOPLE will take up residence throughout the hotel, transforming the property into a playground of discovery, with guests and visitors of all ages invited to encounter the unexpected.
Running from 1 July to 30 September 2026, The GUESTS marks a new chapter in Jullien’s celebrated PAPER PEOPLE series, which began in Tokyo with his 2021 exhibition at Shibuya PARCO and has since travelled to Nantes, Paris, Seoul and beyond. The creative new neighbourhood of Azabudai Hills and Janu Tokyo provide a natural next stop for the exhibition’s evolution, bringing them back to the city where they first came to life.
True to Janu’s ethos and rooted in artistry, the partnership offers moments of surprise at every turn, reflecting the brand’s spirit of connection and culture, bringing people together through shared experiences. The colourful characters, conceived as guests themselves, include nine dotted across the hotel’s dynamic dining and social spaces and one reserved exclusively for overnight guests. The figures find themselves at home in each location, whether gazing out at the Tokyo Tower from Janu Grill, or relaxing poolside at the Janu Wellness Centre.
Speaking on the collaboration, artist Jean Jullien said: “Ten unexpected guests have taken up residence in the Janu hotel. They’re flat but colourful. And a bit lost. If you see one, don’t be a stranger.”
Known for his multidisciplinary practice spanning illustration, painting, sculpture, installation and design, Jullien’s work is celebrated for its humour and warmth, with universal appeal. Created by AD Japan using Pyrex, a highly malleable material chosen for its ability to retain the delicate qualities of paper, the human-scale figures create a bold juxtaposition against the backdrop of Janu’s contemporary design DNA. “It was a perfect setting to place these delicate characters, by contrast.” He added, “They’re fragile and light, like the people passing by.”
Alongside the exhibition, the Hide and Seekaccommodation offer will invite further connection to Jullien’s creative mind. Over the course of a two-night stay, guests will enjoy exclusive touches including a special surprise gift from the artist, original collaboration cookies from Janu Patisserie and a seasonal multi-course dinner at Janu Grill themed around the exhibition.
