Toraichi Kono, a Japanese individual born in 1888, grew up in Hiroshima, Japan. He immigrated to the United States around 1906 with the intention of studying law and eventually becoming a lawyer.
In 1916, Kono applied for the position of trusty secretary to Charles Chaplin, who was recruiting a new staff member at the time. Chaplin hired Kono allegedly due to the cane, a trademark of the Little Tramp character, being made in Japan.
For the next 18 years, Kono served as Chaplin's right-hand butler, both in his public and private life. During this period, Chaplin visited Japan four times (1932, twice in 1936, and 1961),and their close relationship with Chaplin was reportedly strong.
However, their close relationship came to an end in 1934 when Kono reproached Paulette Goddard, Chaplin's third wife, for being a spendthrift. This led to Chaplin becoming angry and dismissing Kono after 18 years of service.
Following his dismissal, Kono, who was one year older than Chaplin, began thinking of returning to Japan. Chaplin appointed him as the chief manager of United Artists Japan, but Kono declined the offer.
Kono instead returned to Los Angeles and worked as a lawyer. He eventually passed away in his home in Hiroshima, Japan in 1971 at the age of 83.
