Japanese literature spans a perio of almost two millennia. Early works were heavily influenced by cultural contact with China and Chinese literature, often written in Classical Chinese, alongside influences from Indian literature. But Japanese literature developed into a separate style in its own right as Japanese writers began writing their own works about Japan, although the influence of Chinese literature and Classical Chinese remained until the end of Edo period. Since Japan reopened its ports to Western trading and diplomacy in the 19th century, Western and Eastern literature have strongly affected each other; this influence is still seen today.