Howard Dai

From British Columbia to Taipei

Born in the Port Coquitlam and Maple Ridge areas of British Columbia, Howard’s life took a significant turn when he moved to Taiwan between the ages of 5 and 12. He spent much of his formative years in his grandmother’s sixth-floor apartment in Taipei City, a metropolis that didn't feel crowded until he eventually moved to a place with more open space. For Howard, the night market is a staple of his Taiwanese experience; he highlights deep-fried mushrooms, like enoki and oyster, seasoned with white pepper as a must-have snack, noting that white pepper is the quintessential spice of Taiwanese street food. He also recalls the unique shopping experience of these markets as the ultimate destination for bargain hunters seeking a vast array of items, including "knock off name brands."

Educational Shifts

Howard opened up about the stark differences between the school systems in Taiwan and Canada. In Taiwan, mandatory education ends at middle school (grade 9), making high school feel more like a university experience where students begin preparing for competitive entrance exams as early as middle school. While his peers were stressed out and studying intensely to secure spots in prestigious schools, Howard leaned into a much more relaxed vibe, joking about coasting through his elementary years. This laid-back attitude persisted when he moved to New Westminster, BC, at age 13. In a move he admitted was "so weird," he actually had to attend elementary school for an extra year in Canada after already graduating from it in Taiwan. He also recalled the "shock" of entering a high school in the eighth grade, where he initially felt like he was in a tiny group, only to be hit with a sudden influx of new students in the ninth grade.

A Vision for Nighttime Chaos

Howard championed the idea of bringing a vibrant, chaotic night market to the town. While the community currently relies on a traditional farmer's market, Howard was eager to see a transition into a nighttime scene, playfully acknowledging that while night markets are chaos, they are also great. He also shared a humorous look at the plight of solo musicians at the Richmond night market, describing the sad solitude of performers who take to wide, empty stages with acoustic guitars or harps, only to find themselves playing to an audience of zero. Beyond his nightlife enthusiasm, Howard spent some time theorizing about the mysterious "Journey guy," suggesting the figure might be an anonymous local, a family business operation, or even a secret morale booster hired by the city.

A Lore-Savvy Narrator

Howard Dai is no stranger to the town's history; he is a dedicated long-time listener who has followed the show since the very first episode. He admitted to a certain level of stubbornness in staying caught up, explaining that he simply couldn't risk missing any of the town's evolving lore. During his appearance, he even reminisced about past guests like Rina and the infamous teen kissing zone.