With Wednesday's installation of a new government in Myanmar that will effectively be led by pro-democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi, the Southeast Asian nation has arrived at a crossroads in its relationship with Japan.
After more than 50 years of military rule, Htin Kyaw, a key aide to Suu Kyi, took over the same day as the country's president.
Suu Kyi, who has taken on four Cabinet posts, including the foreign ministry portfolio, has made it clear that while the Constitution bars her from ascending to the presidency, she will — as head of the ruling National League for Democracy party — be de facto leader of the country.