Yukitaka Osaki

Yukitaka Osaki (1865-1942) was a notable Japanese American figure near the turn of the 20th century and “one of the earliest permanent Japanese residents of Connecticut".[1] Osaki is best remembered for his Japanese political roots and lifelong association with actor William Gillette, the creator of Gillette Castle in Lyme, Connecticut.

Connecticut Years

Born to a prominent Japanese political family, Osaki visited the United States in 1888 and stayed for the rest of his life.[2] His brother and traveling companion, Yukio Ozaki, returned to Japan and later served as Mayor of Tokyo, where he facilitated the gift of Washington, D.C.’s famous Cherry Blossoms.[3]

According to historian Emma Wiley, Osaki's story "is a unique immigrant experience in a small Connecticut town during the early 20th century," particularly given the "period of increasingly tense foreign relations between the United States and Japan."[3] Osaki befriended the actor William Gillette after coming under his employ. He rose up the ranks of Gillette’s staff, first serving as a steward on Gillette’s various boats and later becoming the “quiet soul” behind Gillette’s empire as a “confidante and friend".[4] Near the end, Gillette devoted a half-hour to Osaki each day, when Osaki would ride up to the castle and discuss his employer’s pressing personal and business affairs.[1]

Whether executing Gillette’s architectural vision for his castle or executing humbler tasks like collecting Gillette’s mail, Osaki cut an unmistakable figure when riding through town on his donkey as a rare Japanese immigrant in the region.[1] Gillette purpose-built a wood and masonry cottage for his friend and personal valet Osaki, who enjoyed a life estate guaranteeing usage of the cottage until his death.[5]

Legacy

Today, Osaki’s cottage remains a portion of Gillette Castle State Park. The cedar-shingled structure may be found on the east bank of the Connecticut River adjacent to the historic Chester-Hadlyme Ferry.

A play entitled “Osaki-San” memorializes his contributions to Connecticut culture.[4]

References

  1. ^ a b c "Yukitaka Osaki". Friends of Gillette Castle State Park. Retrieved 2025-05-28.
  2. ^ "The House of Yukitaka Osaki Historical Marker". Historical Marker Database. Retrieved 2025-05-28.
  3. ^ a b "Yukitaka Osaki and Gillette Castle: One of Hadlyme's First Japanese Immigrants". Connecticut History. CTHumanities. 2023-01-10. Retrieved 2025-05-28.
  4. ^ a b "Osaki-san - William Gillette's Gentleman Valet". www.ehsco.org. Retrieved 2025-05-28.
  5. ^ "The Osaki house at Gillette Castle state park" (PDF). portal.ct.gov.
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