Japan on course to elect female prime minister in historic first
Over the last two decades, Japan has seen over ten leaders.
Actually, a specialist compares taking up the nation's top job to drinking from a "poisoned chalice".
However, what is the reason does Japan frequently replace leaders? It's due in part of it being a "one-party democracy", explains Professor James Brown of Temple University Japan.
The Liberal Democratic Party's control on the political landscape means the main political competition originates inside the party, instead of from opposition groups.
"Therefore inside the LDP there are intense conflicts within different factions - they all desire their own clique to get the leadership position."
"So even though you might be chosen as prime minister, as soon as you're in office, you have many individuals scheming to try to get you out again."
Key Factors Behind Rapid Turnover
- One-party dominance limits outside challenges
- Internal factional rivalries fuel power struggles
- The leadership role is often described as a "cursed position"
- Government continuity stays difficult to achieve despite financial power