The nation on course to choose female prime minister in landmark first
In the past twenty years, Japan has had over ten prime ministers.
Actually, a specialist likens taking up the country's highest office to taking a "poisoned chalice".
However, what is the reason does Japan keep changing leaders? It's due in part of it being a "one-party democracy", says Prof James Brown of Temple University in Japan.
The Liberal Democratic Party's control on the country's politics means the primary rivalry comes from inside the party, instead of from opposition groups.
"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 selected as leader, as soon as you're in power, you have many individuals manoeuvring to try to remove you again."
Main Reasons Behind Frequent Changes
- Single-party rule limits outside challenges
- Internal factional rivalries fuel leadership contests
- The prime minister's position is frequently called a "cursed position"
- Government continuity remains difficult to achieve despite economic strength
