wealthy merchant; great merchant
Refers to a merchant of great wealth and influence, often in historical contexts such as the Edo period. Can also be used for modern business magnates with a traditional trading background.
Wealthy merchants of the Edo period were also patrons of culture.
He built himself up into what is called a wealthy merchant in a single generation.
wealthy merchant class
Compound of 豪 (ごう, 'powerful, wealthy') and 商 (しょう, 'trade, merchant'). The term has been used since the Edo period to describe merchants of exceptional wealth and influence.