Otokichi

Otokichi (Japanese 山本音吉, Yamamoto Otokichi, later known as John Matthew Ottoson; 1818–1867) was a Japanese castaway during Japan's period of seclusion (sakoku). First shipwrecked off the Japanese coast, his ship was carried to the Pacific coast of America. After being rescued there, he then circled the world, between 1832 and 1837, as he tried to return to Japan. His excursion played a remarkable role in bridging the cultural gap between his country and the rest of the world.

Related Topics:
Japanese - 1818 - 1867 - Japan - Sakoku - Shipwreck - Pacific coast of America - 1832 - 1837

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Otokichi was from the area of Onoura near Mihama, on the west coast of the Chita Peninsula in Aichi Prefecture. He was a 14-year-old crew member on a rice transport ship bound for Edo, the Hojunmaru (Japanese: 宝順丸), 15 meters in length with a cargo of 150 tons and a crew of 14. The boat left in December 1832, but was caught in a storm and blown off-course far out in the Pacific Ocean.

Related Topics:
Mihama - Chita Peninsula - Aichi Prefecture - Edo - 1832 - Pacific Ocean

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