Japan on course to choose female prime minister in historic first
In the past twenty years, Japan has had more than 10 leaders.
Actually, a specialist likens taking up the country's top job to taking a "poisoned chalice".
But why does Japan frequently replace leaders? This is partly because of it being a "single-party system", says Professor James Brown of Temple University in Japan.
The LDP's grip on the country's politics means the primary rivalry comes from within the party, instead of from opposition groups.
"So within the LDP there are vicious struggles within different factions - they all desire 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 dozens of people manoeuvring to try to remove you again."
Key Factors Behind Frequent Changes
- Single-party rule restricts outside challenges
- Internal factional rivalries drive power struggles
- The leadership role is frequently called a "cursed position"
- Political stability stays elusive despite financial power
