Japan on course to choose woman prime minister in landmark first
In the past twenty years, Japan has seen more than 10 prime ministers.
In fact, one expert likens taking up the nation's highest office to drinking from a "cursed cup".
But why does Japan keep changing leaders? It's due in part of it being a "one-party democracy", explains Prof James Brown of Temple University in Japan.
The Liberal Democratic Party's control on the country's politics means the main political competition comes from inside the party, rather than from external parties.
"Therefore inside the LDP there are intense conflicts within various groups - they all desire their own faction to secure the leadership position."
"Thus although you might be chosen as prime minister, the moment you're in power, you have many individuals scheming to try to remove you again."
Key Factors Behind Rapid Turnover
- Single-party rule restricts external competition
- Internal factional rivalries fuel leadership contests
- The prime minister's position is often described as a "poisoned chalice"
- Political stability stays difficult to achieve despite economic strength
