Background
Labbe Cachon was born in France.
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Labbe Marmet De Cachon
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His first contact with the Far East was as interpreter to the French Legation in South China. He came to Japan for the first time as part of the entourage of Baron Gros when the envoy came to sign a treaty with Japan (1858). The following year when Bellecourt was appointed Consul-General at Hakodate, Cachon was made his interpreter. He returned to Edo (1862) and became interpreter to the new French Minister, Leon Roche (1864). Roche had great trust in him and made him his right-hand man because of Cachon's perfect command of the Japanese language, his knowledge of Japan and his connections with important Japanese officials. It is said that Roche's policy and dealings with the Shogunate were deeply influenced by Cachon. Returned home, accompanying Akitake Tokugawa's (secretary to Ministry of Home Affairs) mission to Europe (1867). He tried to play an important port with the Japanese mission but was treated coldly. Later when Kurimoto, the Lord of Aki, came to Paris his value was realised and he did much for the benefit of Japanese students in France.
