Japan on course to choose woman prime minister in landmark first
In the past twenty years, the country has had more than 10 leaders.
Actually, one expert likens taking up the country's top job to taking a "poisoned chalice".
However, what is the reason does the country frequently replace leaders? It's due in part of it being a "single-party system", explains Prof James Brown of Temple University in Japan.
The Liberal Democratic Party's control on the political landscape means the main political competition comes from within the party, rather than from opposition groups.
"So within the LDP there are vicious struggles within different factions - they all desire their own faction to get the leadership position."
"So even though you might be selected as prime minister, the moment you're in office, you have dozens of people manoeuvring to try to remove you again."
Key Factors Behind Frequent Changes
- Single-party rule limits external competition
- Party infighting fuel leadership contests
- The prime minister's position is frequently called a "poisoned chalice"
- Political stability stays difficult to achieve despite financial power
