noun
leading figure; influential figure; mogul
Refers to a person of great authority and influence in a particular field, often with a connotation of being a veteran or elder statesman. Commonly used in politics, business, and entertainment.
彼は政界の大御所として知られている。
He is known as a leading figure in the political world.
その大御所俳優が新作映画に出演する。
The veteran actor will appear in the new film.
大物 refers to a big shot or important person, often with a focus on their power or scale of influence. 大御所 implies more of a respected, established, and sometimes retired or semi-retired veteran status.
Originally referred to the shogun's retired father or a powerful retired shogun who still held influence. The term later broadened to mean any influential veteran in a field.