Japan set to choose woman prime minister in landmark first
In the past twenty years, Japan has had over ten leaders.
In fact, one expert compares taking up the country's top job to drinking from a "poisoned chalice".
However, what is the reason does the country frequently replace leaders? 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 comes from within the party, rather than from opposition groups.
"So within the LDP there are vicious struggles within various groups - they all desire their own faction to secure the top job."
"So even though you might be selected as leader, the moment you're in power, you have dozens of people scheming to try to remove you again."
Main Reasons Behind Frequent Changes
- One-party dominance restricts external competition
- Internal factional rivalries drive leadership contests
- The prime minister's position is frequently called a "cursed position"
- Political stability remains difficult to achieve despite financial power
