Japan on course to choose woman prime minister in historic first
In the past twenty years, the country has had over ten leaders.
Actually, a specialist likens taking up the country's highest office to drinking from a "cursed cup".
But why does the country keep changing leaders? This is partly because of it being a "single-party system", 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 comes from within the party, rather than from opposition groups.
"Therefore inside the LDP there are intense conflicts within various groups - they all want their own faction to get the top job."
"So even though you might be selected as leader, the moment you're in office, you have many individuals manoeuvring to try to get you out again."
Key Factors Behind Rapid Turnover
- Single-party rule limits external competition
- Internal factional rivalries drive leadership contests
- The prime minister's position is often described as a "poisoned chalice"
- Government continuity remains difficult to achieve despite economic strength
