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Okay we've seen tons of 'what if Japan became Catholic?' threads, but what about Japan adopting a different Christian sect as it's main religion? The Nestorians, also known as the Church of the East, are a Christian group that has existed for centuries throughout Asia.

Suppose that during the 7th century, Nestorian missionaries in India hear about the Japanese islands and head over there to preach. Over the years Nestorianism spreads slowly throughout Japan. Mostly its among the peasants and servants, but occasionally a noble lady would convert.

Then around early in the 8th century the Nestorians get their big break as the future Emperor Shōmu converts due to the example of his nestorian maids who helped raise him. Now a devout Nestorian instead of a devout Buddhist, he puts a lot of effort during his reign building schools and hospitals run by Nestorian priests and monks. By the time his twenty-five year reign ends, Japan is well on the road to becoming as thoroughly Christian as any country in Europe can claim.

What effects will a Christian Japan from the 8th century on up have for both Japan and the world? Will Japan still adopt Chinese characters or will it turn to using a Persian script? Would Japan be turned into a missionary base for the Far East like Ireland was for Northern Europe or would Japan become isolated? Might Japan's overseas interests shift to modern day Indonesia or would it continue trading with China? How would the Europeans react to a (in their view) schismatic and heretical Japan?
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