Japan on course to elect woman prime minister in historic first
Over the last two decades, Japan has had more than 10 prime ministers.
In fact, one expert compares assuming the country's highest office to drinking from a "poisoned chalice".
But why does Japan keep changing leaders? It's due in part of it being a "one-party democracy", says Professor James Brown of Temple University in Japan.
The Liberal Democratic Party's control on the country's politics means the main political competition originates within 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 leadership position."
"Thus although you might be chosen as prime minister, as soon as you're in office, you have dozens of people scheming to try to remove you again."
Key Factors Behind Rapid Turnover
- One-party dominance restricts outside challenges
- Party infighting fuel leadership contests
- The leadership role is often described as a "poisoned chalice"
- Government continuity remains difficult to achieve despite economic strength
