The nation on course to choose female prime minister in historic first
In the past twenty years, Japan has had over ten leaders.
In fact, one expert likens assuming the country's highest office to taking a "cursed cup".
However, what is the reason does the country keep changing prime ministers? This is partly because of it being a "one-party democracy", says Prof James Brown of Temple University in Japan.
The Liberal Democratic Party's control on the country's politics means the main political competition comes from inside the party, instead of from opposition groups.
"So within the LDP there are intense conflicts within various groups - they all desire their own faction to get the top job."
"So even though 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
- One-party dominance limits external competition
- Internal factional rivalries drive leadership contests
- The leadership role is often described as a "cursed position"
- Political stability stays elusive despite financial power
