Japan set to choose woman prime minister in historic first
In the past twenty years, the country has seen over ten leaders.
Actually, one expert compares assuming the nation's highest office to drinking from a "cursed cup".
But why does Japan keep changing leaders? This is partly because of it being a "single-party system", explains Professor James Brown of Temple University Japan.
The Liberal Democratic Party's control on the political landscape means the primary rivalry comes from within the party, rather than from opposition groups.
"Therefore inside the LDP there are intense conflicts within different factions - they all want their own faction to get the top job."
"Thus although you might be selected as prime minister, as soon as you're in office, you have many individuals manoeuvring to try to remove you again."
Main Reasons Behind Frequent Changes
- Single-party rule restricts external competition
- Internal factional rivalries fuel power struggles
- The leadership role is frequently called a "poisoned chalice"
- Government continuity remains difficult to achieve despite economic strength