Japan on course to elect woman prime minister in historic first
In the past twenty years, the country has seen more than 10 leaders.
Actually, one expert compares taking up the country's highest office to drinking from a "poisoned chalice".
But why does the country keep changing prime ministers? This is partly because of it being a "single-party system", says Prof James Brown of Temple University in Japan.
The LDP's grip on the country's politics means the primary rivalry comes from within the party, rather than from external parties.
"So within the LDP there are vicious struggles within various groups - they all desire their own clique to get the top job."
"Thus although you could be selected as prime minister, the moment you're in power, you have dozens of people scheming to try to remove you again."
Key Factors Behind Rapid Turnover
- One-party dominance restricts outside challenges
- Party infighting fuel leadership contests
- The leadership role is frequently called a "cursed position"
- Political stability remains elusive despite economic strength
