Sakata Tojuro 1st, who specialized in the soft and graceful acting style later called Wagoto, was active in the Kamigata [Kyoto and Osaka areas] before, during and after the Genroku period [1688-1704]. Tojuro gained great popularity by acting Yatsushi roles, depicting a man originally of high position who has been reduced to poverty for some reason, including the role of Izaemon in "Yugiri nagori no shogatsu," which he performed in 1678. Chikamatsu Monzaemon, famous as a writer of Ningyo-joruri (puppet plays), wrote many Kabuki works including "Keisei hotoke no hara," and supported Tojuro's popularity.
Yoshizawa Ayame 1st, an Onnagata of the same period, left as his heritage a talk on art "Ayamegusa," which discusses his art including essential knowledge and preparations and acting theory. This was of great significance for the establishment of the art of Onnagata.