Japan set to elect woman prime minister in historic first
Over the last two decades, Japan has had over ten prime ministers.
In fact, a specialist compares taking up the country's highest office to drinking from a "poisoned chalice".
But why does Japan frequently replace leaders? This is partly because of it being a "single-party system", explains Prof James Brown of Temple University in Japan.
The Liberal Democratic Party's control on the country's politics means the main political competition originates within the party, rather than from external parties.
"Therefore inside the LDP there are vicious struggles within various groups - they all want their own faction to get the leadership position."
"So even though you might be selected as prime minister, the moment you're in office, you have dozens of people manoeuvring to try to remove you again."
Key Factors Behind Rapid Turnover
- One-party dominance restricts outside challenges
- Internal factional rivalries drive power struggles
- The leadership role is frequently called a "poisoned chalice"
- Government continuity remains elusive despite financial power
