Japan on course to elect female prime minister in historic first
In the past twenty years, the country has seen over ten leaders.
In fact, a specialist compares taking up the country's top job to drinking from a "poisoned chalice".
But why does Japan frequently replace prime ministers? This is partly because of it being a "single-party system", says Professor James Brown of Temple University Japan.
The LDP's grip on the political landscape means the main political competition comes from inside the party, instead of from opposition groups.
"Therefore inside the LDP there are intense conflicts within various groups - they all want their own faction to get the leadership position."
"So even though you could be chosen as leader, the moment you're in office, you have many individuals scheming to try to remove you again."
Key Factors Behind Frequent Changes
- Single-party rule limits external competition
- Party infighting drive leadership contests
- The leadership role is often described as a "poisoned chalice"
- Political stability remains difficult to achieve despite financial power
