The Accidental Diplomat: The Story of Anton L. C. Portman

Abstract This is a biographical study of Anton L. C. Portman, who played a central but underappreciated role in early U.S.-Japan relations. Portman had begun as a commodore’s clerk on the Perry Expedition to Japan in 1853 when his multilingualism unexpectedly thrust him into the spotlight as the Dutch-English interpreter for the Americans. In doing so, he made personal connections with members of the Japanese government. Capitalizing on those relationships, he later returned to Japan when once again serendipity provided him with the appointment of legation interpreter. Portman worked with the first four U.S. resident ministers over the course of ten years, providing diplomatic continuity amid changing leadership at the legation. The institutional memory and cultural knowledge about Japan that this accidental diplomat provided as ministers came and went was invaluable in the advancement of U.S. interests.