Japan set to choose female prime minister in landmark first
In the past twenty years, the country has seen over ten prime ministers.
In fact, one expert compares assuming the nation's top job to drinking from a "poisoned chalice".
But why does Japan keep changing leaders? This is partly because of it being a "one-party democracy", 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, rather than from opposition groups.
"Therefore inside the LDP there are vicious struggles within various groups - they all desire their own faction to get the top job."
"Thus although you could be selected as leader, as soon as you're in power, you have dozens of people scheming to try to remove you again."
Key Factors Behind Rapid Turnover
- One-party dominance limits outside challenges
- Internal factional rivalries fuel leadership contests
- The prime minister's position is often described as a "cursed position"
- Political stability stays elusive despite economic strength
