Japan set to elect female prime minister in historic first
Over the last two decades, the country has seen more than 10 leaders.
Actually, a specialist compares taking up the country's highest office to drinking from a "cursed cup".
However, what is the reason does Japan keep changing leaders? It's due in part of it being a "single-party system", says Professor James Brown of Temple University Japan.
The LDP's grip on the political landscape means the primary rivalry comes from inside the party, rather than from opposition groups.
"Therefore inside the LDP there are intense conflicts within different factions - they all desire their own clique to get the leadership position."
"So even though you might be chosen as prime minister, as soon as you're in office, you have dozens of people manoeuvring to try to remove you again."
Main Reasons Behind Frequent Changes
- One-party dominance restricts outside challenges
- Internal factional rivalries drive power struggles
- The prime minister's position is frequently called a "cursed position"
- Political stability stays difficult to achieve despite financial power
