Japan on course to choose female prime minister in landmark first
Over the last two decades, the country has had over ten leaders.
In fact, a specialist compares taking up the nation's top job to taking a "poisoned chalice".
But why does the country frequently replace leaders? This is partly because of it being a "single-party system", explains Professor James Brown of Temple University in Japan.
The LDP's grip on the political landscape means the main political competition comes from inside the party, rather than from external parties.
"Therefore inside the LDP there are vicious struggles within different factions - they all desire their own clique to get the top job."
"Thus although you could be chosen as prime minister, the moment you're in office, you have dozens of people manoeuvring to try to remove you again."
Main Reasons Behind Frequent Changes
- One-party dominance limits external competition
- Internal factional rivalries fuel leadership contests
- The leadership role is often described as a "poisoned chalice"
- Political stability remains difficult to achieve despite financial power
