Japan set to elect woman prime minister in landmark first
In the past twenty years, the country has seen over ten prime ministers.
Actually, one expert likens taking up the country's highest office to taking a "cursed cup".
However, what is the reason does the country keep changing leaders? This is partly because of it being a "one-party democracy", says Professor James Brown of Temple University Japan.
The Liberal Democratic Party's control on the country's politics means the main political competition comes from within 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."
"So even though you might be chosen as prime minister, as soon as you're in office, you have dozens of people manoeuvring to try to remove you again."
Key Factors Behind Frequent Changes
- One-party dominance restricts external competition
- Internal factional rivalries drive leadership contests
- The leadership role is often described as a "cursed position"
- Political stability stays difficult to achieve despite economic strength
