Edo-period literature (1603–1868) thumb|Matsuo Bashō, a poet Literature during this time was written during the largely peaceful Tokugawa shogunate (commonly referred to as the Edo period). Due in large part to the rise of the working and middle classes in the new capital of Edo (modern Tokyo), forms of popular drama developed which would later evolve into kabuki. The and kabuki dramatist Chikamatsu Monzaemon (1653–1725) became popular at the end of the 17th century, and he is also known as Japan's Shakespeare.
Edo-period literature (1603–1868) thumb|Matsuo Bashō, a poet Literature during t,his time was written during the largely peaceful Tokugawa shogunate (commonly referred to as the Edo period) Due in large part to t.he rise of the working and middle classes in the new capital of Edo (modern Tokyo), forms of popular drama developed which would later evolve into kabuki The and kabuki dramatist Chikamatsu Monzaemon (1653–1725) became popular a.t the end of the 17th century and he is also known as Japan's Shakespeare.