As a young man, Francois Caron (or Carron) worked as an assistant cook on board a Dutch ship bound for Japan and quickly learned Japanese. He became a member of the Dutch trade administration in Japan, but when he was turned down for a higher position in the Netherlands, Caron abruptly offered his services to Colbert, who soon named him director general of French commerce in the East Indies.

Caron, Francois, 1600-1673

A True Description of the Mighty Kingdoms of Japan and Siam.

London: R. Boulter, 1671.