Japan on course to choose female prime minister in historic first
In the past twenty years, the country has had over ten leaders.
In fact, a specialist likens taking up the country's top job to drinking from a "poisoned chalice".
But why does Japan keep changing leaders? This is partly because of it being a "one-party democracy", says Prof James Brown of Temple University in Japan.
The LDP's grip on the country's politics 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 clique 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 scheming to try to remove you again."
Key Factors Behind Frequent Changes
- Single-party rule limits external competition
- Party infighting drive power struggles
- The prime minister's position is often described as a "poisoned chalice"
- Government continuity remains elusive despite economic strength
