Japan set to elect woman prime minister in historic first
In the past twenty years, the country has had more than 10 prime ministers.
In fact, one expert compares assuming the country's highest office to drinking from a "cursed cup".
But why does the country keep changing prime ministers? This is partly because of it being a "single-party system", says Prof 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.
"Therefore inside the LDP there are vicious struggles within various groups - they all desire their own clique to get the top job."
"So even though you might be chosen as leader, the moment you're in power, you have many individuals scheming to try to remove you again."
Main Reasons Behind Frequent Changes
- One-party dominance restricts external competition
- Internal factional rivalries drive power struggles
- The leadership role is frequently called a "cursed position"
- Government continuity remains difficult to achieve despite financial power
