noun
chief trader (Dutch trading post at Dejima)
Historical term for the head of the Dutch trading mission on Dejima during the Edo period.
from Portuguese capitão
See also: 出島
江戸時代、カピタンは毎年江戸に参府した。
During the Edo period, the chief trader traveled to Edo every year.
noun
captain (European ship, Edo period)
Historical term for the captain of a European vessel in Japanese waters during the Edo period.
その船のカピタンはオランダ人だった。
The captain of that ship was Dutch.
Modern general term for a ship's captain; カピタン is a historical term specific to European ships in the Edo period.
Borrowed from Portuguese 'capitão', meaning 'captain' or 'chief'. Entered Japanese during the period of Portuguese trade and later used for the Dutch chief trader at Dejima.