Japan set to choose woman prime minister in historic first
Over the last two decades, the country has seen over ten prime ministers.
Actually, one expert likens assuming the nation's highest office to drinking from a "cursed cup".
But why does the country frequently replace prime ministers? This is partly because of it being a "single-party system", explains Prof James Brown of Temple University Japan.
The Liberal Democratic Party's control on the political landscape means the primary rivalry comes from inside the party, instead of from external parties.
"So within the LDP there are intense conflicts within different factions - they all want their own faction to secure the top job."
"Thus although you might be chosen as prime minister, the moment you're in power, you have dozens of people scheming to try to remove you again."
Key Factors Behind Rapid Turnover
- One-party dominance restricts external competition
- Internal factional rivalries fuel leadership contests
- The leadership role is frequently called a "cursed position"
- Government continuity remains difficult to achieve despite economic strength
