Dear Himeno-san,
Your artwork is tuly amazing. You have helped bring Pokémon to life for years and it can not be understated just how impactful that is to people. Your early work really showed us more of what the Pokémon world could be when very little art existed and your current work gives us a look into the goings on of that now clearly defined world you helped create. I personally love your work of Pokémon simply having a good time or seemingly just caught in there natural habitats be them attacking or just going about their days such as the examples below:
Dear Kagemaru Himeno,
You may not think much about the quality of your art, but I would like to tell you that I have always appreciated the detail and the amount of effort that you put into your artworks. You have many awesome looking cards that I look forward to seeing within any new upcoming set.
My favorite two card artworks that you have drawn in the past that I really love are the Azumarill and Togetic from Aquapolis/Wind From the Sea. I love the detail of the city in the background that gave the set a little bit of cohesion while also offering us a look into the lives of Pokemon within everyday life. I want you to know there are many others like me who have come to love your artworks over the year and a lot of your art has become synonymous with Pokemon over the years!
Hello! I just want to say, the mark of someone who cares deeply about their craft is one who is most critical of themselves. Even though it’s been so many years, your art style is truly something I and many others can say is beautifully yours. Thank you for bringing such joy and delight to us!
Dear Kagemaru Himeno—
Art, music, scents—a campfire, the forest, even a freshly paved road—our senses give our lives continuity and the comforting perspective of connectedness by tying our memories together over a life’s span. They mesh present with past, and put us more in line with the true working of time which is not linear at all in its finest perspective.
They remind us of people, places and moments that help to ground and remind us of our past and present connections to others. They allow us to experience timelessness since these recollections have the power to transport us and give us temporary reprieve from the monotony of the perception of time’s linearity.
The artwork you have created and that I have experienced has become part of the continuity of my life. They tie me not as much to my own childhood as to my child’s childhood. And what a gift to me! Your creations connect me to people and places and times that allow me to move outside time’s constraints.
I believe this is how we have the ability for brief moments to take more from time than time takes from us. It keeps us young. And in this way, to me, art is life’s great redeemer, and of an importance that simply cannot be overstated but is so often taken for granted or sometimes sadly dismissed or ignored in favor of the present.
Make no mistake, the present is where we live and demands our focus, and rightly so. But all creatures need sleep to repair ourselves from the rigors of the present, and art is what allows us to dream. THANK YOU for what you have given me through so many of your creations. The world is more beautiful for you being here.
There’s nothing I can add that hasn’t been said already in this thread, but I can safely say there is no one else I would of waited in line over night for just a chance of meeting!
To Kagemaru Himeno, my favorite Pokémon illustrator.
姫野かげまる様、
私の好きなポケモンのイラストレーターへ。
In the 90s, the world of Pokémon was much more mysterious. It was malleable. Different people depicted the world of Pokémon differently. In the United States, homegrown Pokémon content was rare and we only received a fraction of the material produced for Japan. When the brand was still small, when the future of Pokémon had not yet been written, when a single tiny card set still had the weight to change how you saw Pokémon, I had your illustrations.
The Jungle expansion was the first time I saw the boundaries of the Pokémon world extend. Previously, Pokémon cards were usually very static. They were unembellished and neutral. Few gave a glimpse into the world of Pokémon itself. But your Pokémon world was warm. It was whimsical. It was full of luxurious color. This is the Pokémon world that you showed me.
It is very rare we see portrayals of the Pokémon world the way you once imagined it. The world of Pokémon is known now. The edges of the map have been filled in. The world of Pokémon isn’t quite the cozy fantasy you once imagined, but it’s something that has always stayed with me. Nothing embodies the magic of the era where every new thing was special the way your art does for me.
These poses make the Pokémon seem grand by making the viewer feel small. It feels like we are only getting a quick peek at this Pokémon, that we are so small in comparison that we can’t affect it or influence it in any way. All we can do is behold it with wonder and curiosity. These are my favorite cards in your more contemporary work and capture the fantasy of being a little kid peeking into a strange world, just like I loved growing up.
These Pokémon have received many cards over the years, especially Pikachu. But these cards are among their most stunning depictions. I can see Pikachu one million times in a million different ways, but your Pikachu will remain the first one I think of. Your Dark Charmeleon is without a doubt the most impactful and impressive depiction of the Pokémon as well. No one else has come close.
This card is different in America than it was in Japan. It was printed with holofoil and given a special distribution. This is my favorite Pokémon card of all time. I keep one at my desk at work, I use it as avatars and icons all over the web, if I ever didn’t collect Pokémon anymore I would still keep this card. This card is so special to me. To go into all the reasons why would take a long time. It is integral to my life story with Pokémon. But just know that your work with this unassuming card is something I carry with me always. It is a fixture in my life. There is not a day that goes by where I don’t see your work. Thank you for creating something that is an everyday aspect of my life.
I hope you keep coming to the United States and that I can finally meet you someday. I hope this message and others like it helps you see how significant of an illustrator you are. Your art has reached millions and has been with them for almost their whole lives. I can’t even imagine my youth and lifelong Pokémon passion without your work.
Ms. Himeno,
I am not a visual artist and have no artistic training, but I love your artwork. Some of my favorite illustrations in Pokemon were made by you. Your artwork has a certain “warmth” to it that is hard to describe. I enjoy the way your artwork captures Pokemon interacting with their habitat. Below are some of my favorite illustrations by you.
Dear Kagemaru Himeno,
During my childhood, I could not afford to purchase many trading cards and half were shared with my older brother. One card that is very special to me is dark Charmeleon that you illustrated. The artwork impressed me as a child. The movement of the flames captures the intensity of a pokemon battle. Like the Charmeleon of Ash/Satoshi in the anime, this Charmeleon appears just as strong. I took special care of that card and 24 years later, it reminds me of a happy childhood.
Hello,
As someone who was born in the 90s and was around for the Pokémon craze when it hit the US. Jungle is a pretty special set for me. Especially Jolteon. When I look at a majority of the artworks it brings me back to a simpler time. Jolteon is one of my favorite Pokémon and that artwork is simply one of its best. Your whole artwork speaks through out jungle and there are many like me who look back on that’s set with fondness.
I started getting interested in Pokemon when I was 7 years old, and remember the illustrations you made for Jungle set were always some of my favorites. I didn’t own many cards growing up, but I would keep my Persian card from Jungle set in my pocket so I could look at it whenever I wanted to. When I began collecting again as an adult, your illustrations from the Jungle set are still some of my favorites. You were kind enough to sign my Jolteon in Charlotte in 2023, and I will never forget that weekend, and the opportunity to meet you!
Outside of Pokemon, I’ve loved the drawings you have shared of your cats Leo and Sumile! They’re so adorable, and always make me smile when I see them. I love how you’ve described them too, with Sumile’s crooked tail, and Leo’s loose skin on his stomach
Thank you for everything you have done, and continue to do for the world as an artist. As someone who has the artistic ability of of toddler, I so appreciate those who share their skill and talent with the world. And you do that very well! I am so excited to see whatever art you continue to share, whether it is Pikachu, Leo and Sumile, or anything else!
Because you illustrated many of the earliest cards, they are the ones my parents recognize and love. Many of my fondest childhood memories such as pulling Fossil Dragonite are because of you! Your art style is timeless. I hope one day you will go back to drawing by hand! Please don’t be so hard on yourself. I hope one day to show my own children your amazing Chansey artworks. When I saw this Chansey I was so happy!
I’ve always been in love how fun some of your artworks are! Especially in your more “unknown” artworks in non-TCG items ! A lot of references to the games, and Pokedex entries and some surprising ones like the Charmander lighting up a cigarette. It’s very different than from what we are used to seeing ! Forever a fan.
Kagemaru Himeno,
I am not short with words. I could write a book about how I feel about your art. Firstly, I consider you the godmother of Pokemon. I’m not sure if there would be a language barrier, but you are, to me, its first mother. You gave it such vibrant life. Throughout the years I have written on our little forum very, very fondly of your work, and how deeply it has affected me, and furthermore, how it has inspired my own art, my own style, and my appreciation—what I look for in art. Your art is something out of a dream.
You are so talented at giving them and the overall piece expressiveness and character. At expressing emotion, at giving the viewer a very strong feeling. At telling a story, or presenting an atmosphere that one can dream within. Wish they were visiting. I feel like so much of your art is like that which I would find if I were inside of my favorite video game worlds. I mean this in the most complementary way, because these are the places that I have found to fondly return to the most when I like to be transported.
I want to stress something very important since some of our forum members pointed out your self-criticism. Something maybe you need to hear, but that I believe you already understand very well. The technical ability of an artist means nothing. That’s the most beautiful thing about art. It is about everything else. It is about the ability to touch, inspire, and strike another. With your charm, your personality, your depiction, your ideas. Art is about the sharing of your mind, body, and soul. It is your ideas and your desire to create that is what resonates most in your audience. Art is also importantly about intent. You have always displayed a mastery of the intent behind Pokemon illustrations, and, frankly, the non-Pokemon work I’ve seen of yours. A fundamental understanding of being just what it needs to be. And you succeed at this in every way imaginable.
In addition, your art is on a technical level incredibly impressive anyway. But even if it weren’t, it wouldn’t matter. Millions of people… millions, have been impacted profoundly by this art, and it brings them immeasurable joy. It bring me upmost joy, it is why I stop to enjoy art. It is work like yours that has inspired my own artistic endeavors and even prompted my own desire to share with my loved ones and the world. Your work is such that it crosses barriers as well. It will go on to inspire films, multimedia forms, homages, and the color and visions in the mind.
I relish the idea that you might be able to see these words so I can formally thank you for your profound impact on the world. You are a very special person, your art is utterly special, significant, and has made the world a better place.
They are so inspired, and inspiring. And this does not include all the postcards, booklet and CoroCoro art, and many other mediums on which I have found and adored you art deeply.
I’ve always considered you to be one of the best Pokemon artists in its entire history.
Please accept nothing but the upmost love from your fan, Brendan.
Dear Himeno-San,
Whenever I see your name I am immediately reminded about “How I Became a Pokémon Card”. Those manga have had a very profound impression on why I love Pokemon and love collecting Pokemon cards. Your thoughts process, creativity and passion for designing and storytelling all shine through in those books.
As someone who appreciates the Pokemon history deeply, you have played an extremely important role in breathing life into the Pokemon TCG thought your art. I will forever be grateful for that.
As you have said, “For every Pokemon, there is always someone who loves it.” This sentiment is always on display through your lovely and inspiring artwork.
Sending you lots of love and wishes and good health. Continue to do what you do! You are a true source of inspiration for artists all around the world.
Dear Himemaru,
I will miss you this year but I’m so glad there’s so many other people who will get to meet you and share their appreciation in person who didn’t get the chance to last time. You and Tomokazu Komiya have been my favorite artists ever since I was a kid - I’ve always been attracted to artwork that had an ethereal or otherworldly feel and both of you encompass that in different ways. Anytime I look at your work in particular, there is so much character in it and it makes me think of a different world.
I already told you how much your artwork meant to me when I last met you in Charlotte, but I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed getting lucky enough to be in one of the panels. I was thinking you might just talk about your cards and so I brought my own copy of the 4-Frame Gag Theatre comic because it’s my favorite Pokemon Comic - but to my surprise and wonder - you talked about everything and even had the original cover on display!
I’m still on the hunt for your Poke-Mama comics but I hope to one day find them since I loved hearing about your early work. Hearing about furry Jigglypuff was also one of the highlights. I was so happy to be the first person called up to meet you and have such a wonderful memory of when you dropped your contact lens on my Dark Gyarados - I still smile and laugh when I think of it. Your excitement was contagious and I was so glad to share in it as we talked about all of the different kinds of artwork you did. Thank you for being an amazing person just as you are an incredible artist.
Dear Kagemaru,
Your art helped define the positive experiences of millions of childhoods worldwide.
姫野かげまる様、
あなたのアートは、世界中の何百万もの子供時代のポジティブな経験を形作るのに大いに貢献しました。
I was 7 years old in 1999 when I went to a game shop while on a summer holiday in Devon (UK) with my family. Pokémon cards were at the height of popularity. It was nearly impossible to find any booster packs anywhere. My mum persuaded the owner of the shop to open a new box of the Jungle expansion, because I was so desperate to get a pack. He agreed to sell me 1 pack. I couldn’t believe my luck when I got my favourite holo card from the entire set - your Flareon. That’s one of my earliest and best memories of Pokemon and childhood, and your art was a huge part of it.
Dear Himemaru,
Thank you for being a key contributor to illustrating my childhood. Your wonderful works of art in the beginning of the Pokemon TCG will forever be positively etched into my mind. Your depiction of Bellsprout and Weepinbel in the Jungle expansion remain my favorite to this day.
While many fans remember you for your iconic style in the first few sets, what I always remember your incredible art for is the depiction of a circular lens flare that you used through many card illustrations in the early 2000’s through 2010’s. I hope to see it return sometime. Thank you for all of your contributions towards Pokemon over the years.
Dear Kagemaru Himeno-san,
Thank you for blessing every Pokemon trainer with your beautiful art. I am sure many have the same story of growing up with your art in Jungle and Rocket, and I am no exception. When looking back at all the cards from my childhood it was always your art that always stood out I think your art is really special and obviously super cute.
Back when I was a kid this psyduck card was my favorite and I would carry it around everywhere. I think I just found it so funny how it was always confused in the anime and this card just captured it’s essence.
I did grow up eventually and left Pokemon behind, but as I became an adult and somehow started collecting Pokemon cards again in late 2018. One of the first cards that caught my eye was the Domino’s promo that featured my favorite Pokemon Snorlax and its pre-evolution munchlax. The art was so cute and I just needed to get it for my collection. They are still one of my favorite cards to look at and hold a very special place in my heart.
Thank you once again for sharing your gift with us. I hope that this message can express even just a sliver of how much your art has influenced me and many other Pokemon lovers.
Kagemaru Himeno,
Thank you kindly for all of your artistic contributions to the world. From Manga to card art and many illustrations we’ve yet to discover are yours, so many fans love your artistic style. At Charlotte Regionals, you mentioned a story about making Pokemon more cute and friendly. This was a change from the more aggressive earlier arts. Your input here made Pokemon more relatable and reachable to a larger audience. I still tell your story of making Jigglypuff furry at in your first version. What a cool detail!
Many fans have their favorite characters shaped by your art designs. Every since I was a kid, your Jungle Jolteon artwork has been the coolest and most special piece of art in my Pokemon journey. I even had a friend draw a massive 3’ x 3’ painting just to see it everyday. The blue, the yellow, the thunder, the lightning. I don’t know what mood you were in that day, but it was perfect! I still give stickers of Jolteon to kids at events, so it can be their favorite Pokemon too
A memory I’ll never forget is when you added the Jungle Symbols to Jungle cards missing the symbols (printing errors). I remember being confused as a kid and not sure which set these cards went in. Adding this detail meant the world to me. Jungle is my favorite set and these are my favorite cards in my collection.
I hope you’re having a great day, and these messages show how much love and support you have in the community. Keep up the great work! Maybe the next Eevee evolution will be your creation.
I think your art is really special and obviously super cute.
