Japan on course to choose woman prime minister in landmark first
In the past twenty years, the country has had more than 10 prime ministers.
In fact, a specialist compares assuming the nation's highest office to drinking from a "poisoned chalice".
But why does the country frequently replace leaders? It's due in part of it being a "single-party system", says Professor James Brown of Temple University in Japan.
The LDP's grip on the political landscape means the main political competition originates inside the party, rather than from external parties.
"Therefore inside the LDP there are intense conflicts within various groups - they all desire their own faction to get the top job."
"So even though you might be selected as leader, the moment you're in office, you have many individuals scheming to try to remove you again."
Key Factors Behind Frequent Changes
- One-party dominance restricts external competition
- Internal factional rivalries fuel leadership contests
- The prime minister's position is frequently called a "poisoned chalice"
- Political stability stays difficult to achieve despite economic strength
