Japan on course to elect woman prime minister in historic first
Over the last two decades, the country has had more than 10 prime ministers.
In fact, one expert compares assuming the country's highest office to taking a "poisoned chalice".
But why does the country keep changing prime ministers? It's due in part of it being a "single-party system", explains Professor James Brown of Temple University in Japan.
The LDP's grip on the country's politics means the primary rivalry comes from inside the party, instead of from opposition groups.
"So within the LDP there are vicious struggles within various groups - they all want their own clique to get the top job."
"So even though you might be selected as prime minister, the moment you're in power, you have many individuals scheming to try to get you out again."
Key Factors Behind Rapid Turnover
- One-party dominance limits outside challenges
- Internal factional rivalries drive power struggles
- The prime minister's position is frequently called a "cursed position"
- Government continuity remains difficult to achieve despite economic strength
