Japan set to elect female prime minister in landmark first
In the past twenty years, Japan has had more than 10 leaders.
Actually, one expert compares assuming the country's top job to taking a "poisoned chalice".
But why does the country frequently replace prime ministers? It's due in part of it being a "single-party system", says Prof James Brown of Temple University Japan.
The LDP's grip on the political landscape means the main political competition originates within the party, rather than from opposition groups.
"Therefore inside the LDP there are intense conflicts within various groups - they all want their own faction to secure the top job."
"Thus although you could be selected as prime minister, as soon as you're in office, you have many individuals scheming to try to remove you again."
Key Factors Behind Rapid Turnover
- Single-party rule restricts external competition
- Internal factional rivalries fuel leadership contests
- The leadership role is often described as a "poisoned chalice"
- Political stability stays elusive despite financial power
