Japan on course to elect female prime minister in landmark first
Over the last two decades, Japan has seen over ten prime ministers.
In fact, one expert likens assuming the country's highest office to drinking from a "poisoned chalice".
But why does Japan frequently replace leaders? It's due in part of it being a "single-party system", says Prof James Brown of Temple University Japan.
The Liberal Democratic Party's control on the political landscape means the primary rivalry originates inside the party, instead of from opposition groups.
"So within the LDP there are intense conflicts within various groups - they all want their own faction to get the top job."
"Thus although you could be chosen as prime minister, as soon as you're in power, you have dozens of people scheming to try to remove you again."
Main Reasons Behind Rapid Turnover
- One-party dominance restricts outside challenges
- Internal factional rivalries drive leadership contests
- The leadership role is often described as a "cursed position"
- Political stability remains difficult to achieve despite financial power
