Japan set to choose woman prime minister in historic first
Over the last two decades, the country has seen more than 10 prime ministers.
In fact, one expert likens assuming the country's highest office to drinking from a "cursed cup".
But why does Japan frequently replace leaders? It's due in part of it being a "single-party system", says Prof James Brown of Temple University in Japan.
The Liberal Democratic Party's control on the country's politics 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 want their own faction to get the top job."
"Thus although you could be selected as prime minister, as soon as you're in power, you have dozens of people manoeuvring to try to get you out again."
Main Reasons Behind Frequent Changes
- One-party dominance restricts outside challenges
- Internal factional rivalries drive leadership contests
- The leadership role is often described as a "cursed position"
- Government continuity stays difficult to achieve despite economic strength
