Japan set to choose woman prime minister in historic first
Over the last two decades, Japan has seen more than 10 prime ministers.
Actually, a specialist compares taking up the country's top job to taking a "poisoned chalice".
But why does the country keep changing prime ministers? This is partly because of it being a "one-party democracy", says Professor James Brown of Temple University in Japan.
The LDP's grip on the political landscape means the main political competition originates inside the party, rather than from external parties.
"So within the LDP there are vicious struggles within various groups - they all desire their own faction to get the leadership position."
"Thus although you might be chosen as leader, as soon as you're in power, you have many individuals scheming to try to remove you again."
Key Factors Behind Rapid Turnover
- One-party dominance limits outside challenges
- Internal factional rivalries fuel leadership contests
- The leadership role is frequently called a "poisoned chalice"
- Government continuity remains elusive despite financial power
