The nation on course to elect woman prime minister in landmark first
In the past twenty years, Japan has seen over ten prime ministers.
Actually, one expert compares taking up the country's top job to drinking from a "poisoned chalice".
But why does Japan keep changing leaders? It's due in part of it being a "one-party democracy", explains Prof James Brown of Temple University in Japan.
The LDP's grip on the country's politics means the primary rivalry originates within the party, rather than from opposition groups.
"Therefore inside the LDP there are vicious struggles within different factions - they all desire their own faction to get the leadership position."
"So even though you might be selected as leader, the moment you're in power, you have many individuals scheming to try to remove you again."
Main Reasons Behind Frequent Changes
- One-party dominance limits external competition
- Internal factional rivalries drive leadership contests
- The leadership role is often described as a "cursed position"
- Government continuity remains difficult to achieve despite economic strength
