Helen McCarthy
@helenmccarthy51.bsky.social
Writer, speaker, poet, scholar, booklover. Over a dozen books, two more in 2026; hundreds of presentations/articles on anime, manga, cosplay, history, art and craft across the UK, USA, Europe and Asia. You can contact me via my website helenmccarthy.net
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I'm Helen McCarthy. I tell stories. I've been researching anime, manga and Japan since 1981. My first book was published in 1992. A dozen books since, two more in 2026, cosplay history and talks. Follow me for anime/manga titbits, snippets about Japan, recommendations, daily poems and more.
Reposted by Helen McCarthy
"I don’t think writers are sacred, but words are. They deserve respect. If you get the right ones in the right order, you might nudge the world a little or make a poem that children will speak for you when you are dead." - Tom Stoppard, The Real Thing
November 29, 2025 at 5:45 PM
"I don’t think writers are sacred, but words are. They deserve respect. If you get the right ones in the right order, you might nudge the world a little or make a poem that children will speak for you when you are dead." - Tom Stoppard, The Real Thing
Looking upriver from Wood Wharf in Greenwich just after 3pm, 29/11/2025
November 29, 2025 at 3:33 PM
Looking upriver from Wood Wharf in Greenwich just after 3pm, 29/11/2025
Puffins have returned to Northern Ireland’s Isle of Muck (seriously, that’s its name) for the first time in at least 25 years. Tales of puffins on the island “felt more like folklore,” said nature reserves manager Andy Crory, but now they’re coming back. buff.ly/oBQlH6r
#ShareGoodNewsToo
#ShareGoodNewsToo
Puffins: Isle of Muck comeback 'proves restoration works'
Puffins have been seen on the Isle of Muck off Antrim for the first time in at least 25 years
buff.ly
November 29, 2025 at 2:57 PM
Reposted by Helen McCarthy
Hard-hitting truth-telling from UCL Prof Anthony Costello….
“The Covid Public Inquiry is a devastating critique of medical advisers, civil servants and politicians who led the UK to the worst public health disaster in a century. More than 230,000 deaths.”
www.bylinesupplement.com/p/230000-dea...
“The Covid Public Inquiry is a devastating critique of medical advisers, civil servants and politicians who led the UK to the worst public health disaster in a century. More than 230,000 deaths.”
www.bylinesupplement.com/p/230000-dea...
230,000 Deaths and the ‘Calculated Silence’ of the Medical Establishment About the COVID Inquiry
The Covid Inquiry Report is a devastating critique of the medical establishment which led the UK to the worst public health disaster in a century, argues Anthony Costello
www.bylinesupplement.com
November 29, 2025 at 9:58 AM
Hard-hitting truth-telling from UCL Prof Anthony Costello….
“The Covid Public Inquiry is a devastating critique of medical advisers, civil servants and politicians who led the UK to the worst public health disaster in a century. More than 230,000 deaths.”
www.bylinesupplement.com/p/230000-dea...
“The Covid Public Inquiry is a devastating critique of medical advisers, civil servants and politicians who led the UK to the worst public health disaster in a century. More than 230,000 deaths.”
www.bylinesupplement.com/p/230000-dea...
Reposted by Helen McCarthy
Wow - this guy must be really, REALLY bad with money if an extra £208 per month will “ruin” his retirement.
Let’s take a look at his situation based on what he told the @Telegraph
Because this does NOT add up!
No, this is not a “poor pensioner” scrabbling around for pennies…
🧵1/9
Let’s take a look at his situation based on what he told the @Telegraph
Because this does NOT add up!
No, this is not a “poor pensioner” scrabbling around for pennies…
🧵1/9
November 29, 2025 at 10:12 AM
Wow - this guy must be really, REALLY bad with money if an extra £208 per month will “ruin” his retirement.
Let’s take a look at his situation based on what he told the @Telegraph
Because this does NOT add up!
No, this is not a “poor pensioner” scrabbling around for pennies…
🧵1/9
Let’s take a look at his situation based on what he told the @Telegraph
Because this does NOT add up!
No, this is not a “poor pensioner” scrabbling around for pennies…
🧵1/9
Terebi-kun (TV Friend) is a manga anthology for younger readers. It's charming, and it's good to know some magazines for little children survive.
A new comedy manga titled “Dragon Quest: Heppoko Hero”—a collaboration between the RPG Dragon Quest and iconic gag manga artist Shiriagari Kotobuki—has begun serialisation in the January issue of Terebi-kun (now on sale). The series is supervised by Yuji Horii, creator of the Dragon Quest franchise.
November 29, 2025 at 12:39 PM
Terebi-kun (TV Friend) is a manga anthology for younger readers. It's charming, and it's good to know some magazines for little children survive.
Life is a snowball fight pelting me with events between now and Christmas, and I'm revelling in it like a child with a pile of ammo and licence to throw. A packed weekend, then off to #Coventry on Tuesday (first time since my #StarTrek conrunning days) to celebrate #StudioGhibli with #SeedTalks
November 29, 2025 at 11:23 AM
Life is a snowball fight pelting me with events between now and Christmas, and I'm revelling in it like a child with a pile of ammo and licence to throw. A packed weekend, then off to #Coventry on Tuesday (first time since my #StarTrek conrunning days) to celebrate #StudioGhibli with #SeedTalks
November 29, 2025 at 11:18 AM
Reposted by Helen McCarthy
Spanish publisher Applehead Team Creaciones is seeking information and help in the compilation of further books on science fiction comics, following up on the launch of a new series in Spanish last…
https://downthetubes.net/science-fiction-comics-in-the-spotlight-in-spanish-language-book-series/
https://downthetubes.net/science-fiction-comics-in-the-spotlight-in-spanish-language-book-series/
November 29, 2025 at 7:32 AM
Spanish publisher Applehead Team Creaciones is seeking information and help in the compilation of further books on science fiction comics, following up on the launch of a new series in Spanish last…
https://downthetubes.net/science-fiction-comics-in-the-spotlight-in-spanish-language-book-series/
https://downthetubes.net/science-fiction-comics-in-the-spotlight-in-spanish-language-book-series/
You need a subscription to view this article, but the headline alone tells me how stupid it is to believe those who say "let us steal artists' work or else our new idea won't make money" without any proof of concept whatsoever.
www.economist.com/finance-and-...
www.economist.com/finance-and-...
Investors expect AI use to soar. That’s not happening
Recent surveys point to flatlining business adoption
www.economist.com
November 29, 2025 at 11:07 AM
You need a subscription to view this article, but the headline alone tells me how stupid it is to believe those who say "let us steal artists' work or else our new idea won't make money" without any proof of concept whatsoever.
www.economist.com/finance-and-...
www.economist.com/finance-and-...
Reposted by Helen McCarthy
So, this was released by ADV Films on July 13, 2004 which, to this day, raises so many questions for me.
Look at this CD I found in my old room at my parents’ house.
November 29, 2025 at 9:24 AM
So, this was released by ADV Films on July 13, 2004 which, to this day, raises so many questions for me.
Reposted by Helen McCarthy
Several Japanese music-themed events have been canceled in China, and Japanese music artists have also canceled concerts in China, amid rising political tensions between the two countries.
Japanese Artists' Concerts, Musical Events Canceled in China Amid Political Tensions
LisAni! Shanghai event canceled; Bandai Namco Festival cancels stages; Ayumi Hamasaki, KAF, SID, Kokia, more cancel concerts
www.animenewsnetwork.com
November 29, 2025 at 10:30 AM
Several Japanese music-themed events have been canceled in China, and Japanese music artists have also canceled concerts in China, amid rising political tensions between the two countries.
Reposted by Helen McCarthy
Studio 4°C Friday : "Mind Game" movie (by Masaaki Yuasa) is back for free on Youtube in 212 countries (see links in comment).
November 28, 2025 at 1:19 PM
Studio 4°C Friday : "Mind Game" movie (by Masaaki Yuasa) is back for free on Youtube in 212 countries (see links in comment).
GoGoMadder was created by John Stokes for a dragon fundraising trail. Now they live in the #Maddermarket Theatre in #Norwich reminding their admirers of the works of Shakespeare.
November 28, 2025 at 1:44 PM
GoGoMadder was created by John Stokes for a dragon fundraising trail. Now they live in the #Maddermarket Theatre in #Norwich reminding their admirers of the works of Shakespeare.
November 28, 2025 at 11:14 AM
The Japan T-Rex Racing Federation needs you!
🦖 The 3rd T-Rex Race is set for January 17! Officially certified by the Japan T-Rex Racing Federation, the race lets participants don full-body T-Rex suits and sprint across the park in a fun, family-friendly competition. More: www.hey-japan.com/event/t-rex-...
November 28, 2025 at 10:37 AM
The Japan T-Rex Racing Federation needs you!
I absolutely loved working at the #MaddermarketTheatre #Norwich last night. Even before the audience arrived, the shape of the auditorium with its warm red velvet seats seemed to wrap around the stage like a friendly hug. Then the audience arrived and knocked my socks off. #SeedTalks#StudioGhibli
November 28, 2025 at 9:30 AM
I absolutely loved working at the #MaddermarketTheatre #Norwich last night. Even before the audience arrived, the shape of the auditorium with its warm red velvet seats seemed to wrap around the stage like a friendly hug. Then the audience arrived and knocked my socks off. #SeedTalks#StudioGhibli
The Maid's Head was originally a tavern, said to be founded in 1287, later a coaching inn, then absorbed into the hotel that bears its name. The restaurant is in the roofed-over former courtyard of the inn, still recalling the hundreds of coaches that stopped there. #MediaevalNorwich #history
November 28, 2025 at 9:09 AM
The Maid's Head was originally a tavern, said to be founded in 1287, later a coaching inn, then absorbed into the hotel that bears its name. The restaurant is in the roofed-over former courtyard of the inn, still recalling the hundreds of coaches that stopped there. #MediaevalNorwich #history
Having a breakfast of Edwardian proportions at the Maid's Head Inn in Norwich. Juicy grilled tomatoes, golden scrambled eggs, meaty peppery Norfolk sausages, tasty local bacon, gleaming fried mushrooms, yummy black pudding and saucy baked beans. This may take some time ...
November 28, 2025 at 8:56 AM
Having a breakfast of Edwardian proportions at the Maid's Head Inn in Norwich. Juicy grilled tomatoes, golden scrambled eggs, meaty peppery Norfolk sausages, tasty local bacon, gleaming fried mushrooms, yummy black pudding and saucy baked beans. This may take some time ...
What a beautiful post! Christmas shopping in the 21st Century, in aid of Prostate Cancer U.K., with unique items for Fanderson members. Take a look and maybe you'll want to join. I was a founder member and I'm so proud of the club's support for charities over five decades.
The Fanderson charity for the next year is Prostate Cancer UK. Some unique items in the Fanderson shop for Fanderson members #gerryanderson #sylviaanderson #fanderson #ufo fanderson.org.uk/news/our-202...
November 27, 2025 at 3:10 PM
What a beautiful post! Christmas shopping in the 21st Century, in aid of Prostate Cancer U.K., with unique items for Fanderson members. Take a look and maybe you'll want to join. I was a founder member and I'm so proud of the club's support for charities over five decades.
Reposted by Helen McCarthy
The Fanderson charity for the next year is Prostate Cancer UK. Some unique items in the Fanderson shop for Fanderson members #gerryanderson #sylviaanderson #fanderson #ufo fanderson.org.uk/news/our-202...
November 27, 2025 at 2:13 PM
The Fanderson charity for the next year is Prostate Cancer UK. Some unique items in the Fanderson shop for Fanderson members #gerryanderson #sylviaanderson #fanderson #ufo fanderson.org.uk/news/our-202...
Converse Tokyo x CLAMP collaboration coming soon.
chibiyuuto.com/2025/11/27/c...
chibiyuuto.com/2025/11/27/c...
CONVERSE TOKYO x CLAMP collaboration: starting with XXXHOLiC and Chobits
© CLAMP・Shigatsu Tsuitachi CO.,LTD. / 講談社 The CLAMP x CONVERSE TOKYO collaboration has been announced. It will cover all eight CLAMP works by Kodansha, starting with XXXHOLiC and Chobits: The colla…
chibiyuuto.com
November 27, 2025 at 11:32 AM
Converse Tokyo x CLAMP collaboration coming soon.
chibiyuuto.com/2025/11/27/c...
chibiyuuto.com/2025/11/27/c...
The Japanese Government plans to establish a #manga distribution platform for multiple companies' works in the overseas market. It aims to curb piracy - but can it move quickly enough in today's fast-changing, largely unregulated technology-led environment?
japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/culture/mang...
japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/culture/mang...
Japan Plans to Distribute Manga Overseas Via New Platform
<p>The government plans to establish a domestically funded platform to distribute Japanese manga overseas by creating a consortium of industry, government and academic entities.</p>
japannews.yomiuri.co.jp
November 27, 2025 at 8:44 AM
The Japanese Government plans to establish a #manga distribution platform for multiple companies' works in the overseas market. It aims to curb piracy - but can it move quickly enough in today's fast-changing, largely unregulated technology-led environment?
japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/culture/mang...
japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/culture/mang...
In this week's online issue of scientific journal Nature, a Kyoto University team demonstrates that commercial raisins can be fermented naturally and pack a powerful 8% ethanol punch - all in pursuit of historical evidence.
mainichi.jp/english/arti...
mainichi.jp/english/arti...
Japan research team suggests ancient wine was made from sun-dried raisins - The Mainichi
KYOTO -- Ancient wine may have been made by naturally fermenting sun-dried raisins, according to recent research findings revealed by a team from Kyot
mainichi.jp
November 27, 2025 at 8:32 AM
In this week's online issue of scientific journal Nature, a Kyoto University team demonstrates that commercial raisins can be fermented naturally and pack a powerful 8% ethanol punch - all in pursuit of historical evidence.
mainichi.jp/english/arti...
mainichi.jp/english/arti...
Santa's been to Osaka Expo! An elegant historic residence in Kobe throws decorum to the winds and goes full-on festive with its annual rooftop display of dolls relevant to the year.
mainichi.jp/english/arti...
mainichi.jp/english/arti...
Historic Kobe residence reveals 'Myaku-Myaku Santa doll' among 2025 newsmaker decorations - The Mainichi
KOBE -- A red and blue Santa Claus doll reminiscent of the popular Osaka Expo mascot
mainichi.jp
November 27, 2025 at 8:26 AM
Santa's been to Osaka Expo! An elegant historic residence in Kobe throws decorum to the winds and goes full-on festive with its annual rooftop display of dolls relevant to the year.
mainichi.jp/english/arti...
mainichi.jp/english/arti...