Back in May, Himeno wrote this on Twitter: x.com
I’ve never been a good artist, and I don’t think I’m always a good artist, so I think it’s sometimes used as an indicator of “I can draw better than this person,” but someone who is deeply involved in Pokemon cards told me, “Arita-san has expanded the world of Pokemon vertically and deeply with his amazing expressiveness, while Himeno-san has expanded it horizontally with her manga and reports,” and it made me feel a little better.
In response to her feelings about bit being a good artist, we compiled a bunch of messages for her: Kagemaru Himeno Appreciation Thread - 姫野かげまる感謝スレッド
I think she is very busy so she took her time to reply (I told her it was fine to take her time). But she finally got back to me today.
Response
Hello Scott!
How are you?
I’m so sorry for replying so late. 
I’m sorry for worrying you the other day with my post about X. 
I’m also sorry to all the Pokémon Card Game fans who saw that post for causing concern.
Thank you for translating the comments on the message board into Japanese 
Thank you for sending it to me via DM. 
I was really touched by all the heartwarming comments. 
I read them with tears in my eyes. (｡>_<｡)
I am by no means a technically skilled illustrator, and my early Pokemon card illustrations were particularly poorly done.
However, after reading the comments on the message board, I learned that there are many people who like those illustrations.
I learned that the appeal of illustrations isn’t just in their technical aspects. I was very encouraged to read everyone’s comments.
There are many people in the world who want to become Pokémon card illustrators.
People like this look at my drawings, which are of low skill, and see me as a rival, claiming that they can draw better than them.
Many people have set this goal as their goal and have actually become Pokémon card illustrators.
I don’t feel bad about it. In fact, I’m happy to be someone’s goal. 
Although I’m not very good technically, I think the reason I’ve been able to continue working on Pokemon card illustrations to this day is because my drawings have some appeal.
Of course, it’s also thanks to all of you who are fans of my illustrations.
I realized that by reading your comments.
Thank you Scott for letting me see the messages from Pokémon Card Game fans 
Please convey my gratitude to all the Pokémon Card Game fans who wrote comments on the message board.
It’s the power of Pokémon that makes people say they like my illustrations.
From now on, I’ll try my best to make people like my original illustrations as well. 
('ω’)
It’s very difficult to convey my thoughts in detail in English. 
I hope I was able to convey at least a little of it.
Thank you for watching over me with kindness.
※HIMEMARU※
x2