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===Stasis===
===Stasis===
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Overall, the 18th century was characterized by cultural maturation, economic stability and stasis, and political incompetence.
The years immediately following Genroku were characterized by reforms, leading into a century of relative stasis and stability as compared to the fantastic growth and change of the previous century. During the brief reigns of [[Tokugawa Ienobu]] ([[1709]]-[[1713]]) and [[Tokugawa Ietsugu]] ([[1713]]-[[1716]]), shogunal advisor [[Arai Hakuseki]] oversaw a number of reforms, principally a reversal of the currency debasement effected in [[1695]]. Though this did not truly solve the financial problems of the shogunal treasury, nor of the country as a whole, it was an important step towards putting an end to the inflation and frivolous spending of the Genroku period.
Cultural forms introduced in the previous century developed and coalesced, and many now-famous styles, works, and masters emerged. This period saw the production of the three most popular and famous bunraku and kabuki plays of all time: ''[[Yoshitsune Senbon Zakura]]'', ''[[Kanadehon Chushingura|Kanadehon Chûshingura]]'' and ''[[Sugawara Denju Tenarai Kagami]]'' in 1746-1748. Full-color ''ukiyo-e'' woodblock prints, known as ''[[nishiki-e]]'', were introduced by [[Suzuki Harunobu]] in [[1765]].
The economic stasis of the century was reflective of poor financial policies on the part of the shogunate, and the effects of numerous natural disasters and famines. However, it was also the result of the fact that many economic developments simply reached their maximum levels. Agricultural intensification of land had reached its fullest possible extent, as did the reclamation of land for these purposes. Trade routes, by land, river, and sea, were fully established and operating at a regular pace, with little room for growth or expansion, as were business operations in the major cities and ports. Silver, gold, and copper mines were largely exhausted, and deforestation was becoming a serious problem in some regions.
===Decline and Fall===
===Decline and Fall===