In this episode of Mike Helfman’s Curiosity, we explore the mind of George Bell — a UK‑born long‑term expat who has spent years living in Japan and Malaysia. From navigating rigid social norms and loneliness to finding belonging across cultures, George shares a candid, practical look at what it really takes to build a life abroad.We discuss Japan’s 90s‑era office reality, tourist vs. resident culture shock, hikikomori and the “rent‑a‑family” industry, and how Malaysia is changing as families move up the ladder. If you’re an aspiring expat or just fascinated by life in Asia, this conversation will hit home.📅 Recording Date: Add exact date here#expatlife #Japan #Malaysia #CultureShock #Hikikomori #WorkCulture #LivingAbroad #MikeHelfman #Curiosity #Podcast #JapanCulture #AsiaLife🎧 CHECK OUT THIS PODCAST IN AUDIOSpotify: Mike Helfman’s CuriosityApple Podcast: Mike Helfman’s Curiosity📲 CONNECT WITH GEORGE BELLLinkedIn: Add linkWebsite: Add link📲 CHECK US OUT EVERYWHEREInstagram: /mikehelfmanTwitter: /MikeHelfmanFacebook: /mikehelfmanLinkedIn: /Michael Helfman📩 BUSINESS ENQUIRIES & COLLABORATION✉️ [email protected]🎬 TEAMProduced by – Ruth Wilson Das, Mike Helfman, Fahad FikriHost – Mike Helfman⏱ EPISODE BREAKDOWN0:00 Guest intro & “professional expat”1:31 UK → Japan → Malaysia: George’s journey3:42 Japan’s aging population & stagnation4:50 Why Japan isn’t “the future” anymore (90s tech vibes)7:30 Tourist vs living there — totally different lives9:14 Trains, order & public pride (what Japan gets right)10:34 Education pressure & conformity12:51 Dating norms; the rental‑relationship economy14:12 “Rent‑a‑family” / rent‑a‑dad — why it exists21:10 Malaysia’s hawker culture & generational shifts25:16 Language & integration (what actually helps)27:22 Hikikomori explained33:50 Immigration & visas — reality checks34:32 Practical advice for would‑be expats44:40 Paper/tech quirks, safety & everyday life49:50 Transport & civic pride revisited1:02:17 Language learning tactics that work1:09:49 Building community abroad1:23:14 Closing thoughts