Japan on course to choose woman prime minister in historic first
In the past twenty years, the country has had over ten prime ministers.
Actually, a specialist likens assuming the nation's top job to taking a "poisoned chalice".
But why does Japan frequently replace prime ministers? It's due in part of it being a "one-party democracy", says Prof 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 external parties.
"Therefore inside the LDP there are vicious struggles within different factions - they all desire their own clique to get the leadership position."
"So even though you could be selected as leader, as soon as you're in office, you have many individuals manoeuvring to try to get you out again."
Key Factors Behind Rapid Turnover
- One-party dominance limits outside challenges
- Party infighting drive leadership contests
- The leadership role is often described as a "cursed position"
- Political stability remains difficult to achieve despite economic strength