Buddhism in Japan has been practiced since at least 552, though some Chinese sources place the first spreading of the religion earlier during the Kofun period (250 to 538). Buddhism has had a major influence on the culture and development of Japan over the centuries.[1] About 90 million people in Japan, accounting for some 70 percent of the total population, are affiliated with Buddhism in some way (often nominally).[2][3][3] Many Japanese Buddhists also identify in some way with Shinto; neither of the two religions demand exclusivity, and both are well-entrenched into Japanese society and popular culture. In modern times, Japan's most popular schools of Buddhism are Pure Land Buddhism, Nichiren Buddhism, Shingon Buddhism and Zen Buddhism.