The nation set to elect female prime minister in landmark first
In the past twenty years, Japan has had more than 10 prime ministers.
Actually, one expert compares assuming the country's top job to taking a "cursed cup".
But why does Japan frequently replace prime ministers? 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 political landscape means the primary rivalry comes from inside the party, rather than from external parties.
"Therefore inside the LDP there are intense conflicts within different factions - they all desire their own faction to secure the top job."
"Thus although you could be selected as leader, as soon as you're in power, you have dozens of people scheming to try to remove you again."
Key Factors Behind Frequent Changes
- Single-party rule restricts outside challenges
- Internal factional rivalries drive leadership contests
- The leadership role is frequently called a "poisoned chalice"
- Political stability stays elusive despite financial power
