Taikun(大君) is an archaic Japanese term of respect derived from Chinese I Ching which once referred to an independent ruler who did not have an imperial lineage. Its literal meaning is "Great Lord/Prince" or "Supreme Commander". In the Edo Period, this word was used as a diplomatic title designating the Shogun of Japan in relations with foreign countries, as an attempt to convey that the shogun was more important than the Japanese Emperor. The official name is "Nihon-koku Taikun"(日本国大君, Tycoon of Japan).