The Tokugawa shōgunate (bakufu) period is a time of peace and stability, with a significant expansion in the national economy and increased agricultural production, transportation infrastructure, commerce, population, and literacy. The bakuhan government was strong and conservative, enforcing strict social policies domestically and limiting trade and exchange abroad. The merchant and artisan classes benefited from the Edo period's prosperity and urban expansion, with well-established cities such as Osaka and Kyoto thriving and new castle towns serving as administrative centers for provincial daimyo and their samurai retainers. Popular trends of the day included drama, literature, painting, and printmaking, making it an active and innovative time for the arts.