Wanderlei Silva

Shogun is the most talented guy I've ever seen.

Brazilian Mixed Martial Artist

Shogun were military rulers, not just any leaders, with strong samurai connections.

Historical Role

Shogun were distinct from emperors; they held real power, while emperors were symbolic.

Not Emperor

Knowledge of shoguns is crucial to understanding Japanese history and literary references.

Cultural Importance

The modern use implies power without an official title, often behind the scenes.

Unofficial Power

Used metaphorically to describe someone's strong influence or control in an organization.

Impressive Influence

Calling someone a shogun isn't negative but acknowledges their de facto authority.

Not Negative

 and walks to school. His father is preparing to accompany the daimyo to the capital. The Tokugawa shogun, head of the Japanese military government, requires all the regional rulers to alternate years between their castle town in the home domain and the capital city.