Japan set to choose female prime minister in historic first
In the past twenty years, the country has had more than 10 leaders.
Actually, a specialist compares assuming the nation's top job to drinking from a "poisoned chalice".
But why does Japan frequently replace leaders? This is partly because of it being a "single-party system", explains Professor James Brown of Temple University in Japan.
The LDP's grip on the country's politics means the main political competition comes from inside the party, rather than from external parties.
"Therefore inside the LDP there are vicious struggles within different factions - they all desire their own clique to get the leadership position."
"Thus although you could be selected as leader, the moment you're in office, you have many individuals manoeuvring to try to remove you again."
Main Reasons Behind Rapid Turnover
- One-party dominance restricts outside challenges
- Party infighting fuel power struggles
- The leadership role is frequently called a "cursed position"
- Political stability remains difficult to achieve despite financial power
