Many social and economic changes took place in the middle and late Edo period that gave rise to such developments as “Pictures of the Floating World.” The steady commercial growth, albeit an entirely domestic one as a result of Japan’s isolationist policy, and peace that were established by the Tokugawa shogunate eventually led to a highly prosperous merchant class. Regarded as the lowest rank in the social hierarchy, some of the townspeople were even more affluent than the samurai, who occupied the highest status. In addition to this, there was an increased literacy rate among all the classes. The merchants thus sought to learn about elegant pastimes, such as the tea ceremony, dance, and theater, with their increased literacy, leisure time,
