Japan set to elect female prime minister in landmark first
Over the last two decades, Japan has had more than 10 prime ministers.
Actually, one expert likens taking up the country's top job to taking a "poisoned chalice".
However, what is the reason does Japan keep changing leaders? It's due in part of it being a "single-party system", explains Prof James Brown of Temple University Japan.
The Liberal Democratic Party's control on the country's politics means the primary rivalry comes from within the party, instead of from opposition groups.
"Therefore inside the LDP there are intense conflicts within different factions - they all want their own clique to get the top job."
"Thus although you could be selected as leader, as soon as you're in office, you have dozens of people manoeuvring to try to remove you again."
Main Reasons Behind Frequent Changes
- One-party dominance limits outside challenges
- Party infighting drive power struggles
- The prime minister's position is frequently called a "poisoned chalice"
- Political stability remains elusive despite economic strength
