Japan on course to choose female prime minister in landmark first
Over the last two decades, Japan has had over ten prime ministers.
In fact, one expert likens assuming the nation's highest office to drinking from a "poisoned chalice".
However, what is the reason does Japan keep changing prime ministers? It's due in part of it being a "single-party system", explains Professor James Brown of Temple University in Japan.
The LDP's grip on the country's politics means the main political competition originates inside the party, rather than from external parties.
"So within the LDP there are intense conflicts within various groups - they all want their own clique to get the leadership position."
"Thus although you could be selected as prime minister, as soon as you're in office, you have many individuals scheming to try to get you out again."
Key Factors Behind Rapid Turnover
- Single-party rule restricts external competition
- Internal factional rivalries fuel power struggles
- The prime minister's position is often described as a "cursed position"
- Political stability remains difficult to achieve despite economic strength
