The production of silk, cotton fabrics, paper, porcelain, as well as sake caused an increase of cities to be built (Tokugawa Period). However, after the beginning of the isolation period, almost half of all Japanese currency was lost to overseas traders (Edo Period). This economic flourishing lead to the beginning of the merchant class who made great strides in culture, art, and business. (Edo Period). The samurai class began to struggle in this time, as agriculture had not boomed like other parts of the economy. Several economic reforms were attempted, but they did not show great improvement for the warrior class (Tokugawa