The nation on course to choose female prime minister in landmark first
In the past twenty years, Japan has had more than 10 leaders.
Actually, a specialist likens taking up the country's highest office to drinking from a "cursed cup".
But why does Japan keep changing prime ministers? It's due in part of it being a "one-party democracy", says Professor James Brown of Temple University in Japan.
The Liberal Democratic Party's control on the country's politics means the main political competition originates inside the party, rather than from external parties.
"Therefore inside the LDP there are vicious struggles within different factions - they all want their own clique to secure the top job."
"Thus although you might be chosen as prime minister, as soon as you're in power, you have dozens of people manoeuvring to try to remove you again."
Main Reasons Behind Frequent Changes
- One-party dominance restricts external competition
- Internal factional rivalries fuel leadership contests
- The prime minister's position is frequently called a "poisoned chalice"
- Government continuity stays difficult to achieve despite financial power
