Japan set to elect woman prime minister in historic first
In the past twenty years, the country has had more than 10 leaders.
Actually, a specialist likens assuming the nation's top job to taking a "cursed cup".
But why does Japan keep changing leaders? It's due in part of it being a "one-party democracy", explains Prof James Brown of Temple University in Japan.
The Liberal Democratic Party's control on the political landscape means the primary rivalry comes from within the party, instead of from external parties.
"So within the LDP there are intense conflicts within various groups - they all want their own faction to get the leadership position."
"So even though you might be chosen as leader, as soon as you're in power, you have many individuals scheming to try to remove you again."
Key Factors Behind Frequent Changes
- Single-party rule limits outside challenges
- Party infighting drive power struggles
- The prime minister's position is frequently called a "poisoned chalice"
- Government continuity stays elusive despite financial power
