Japan set to elect female prime minister in landmark first
Over the last two decades, the country has had over ten prime ministers.
Actually, a specialist likens taking up the country's highest office to taking a "poisoned chalice".
However, what is the reason does the country keep changing leaders? It's due in part of it being a "single-party system", explains Prof James Brown of Temple University 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.
"So within the LDP there are vicious struggles within various groups - they all want their own clique to get the leadership position."
"So even though you could be chosen as prime minister, the moment you're in office, you have dozens of people scheming to try to remove you again."
Main Reasons Behind Rapid Turnover
- One-party dominance limits outside challenges
- Internal factional rivalries drive leadership contests
- The leadership role is frequently called a "cursed position"
- Government continuity remains difficult to achieve despite economic strength
