Japan on course to choose woman prime minister in landmark first
Over the last two decades, the country has had more than 10 leaders.
Actually, a specialist compares assuming the country's highest office to drinking from a "cursed cup".
But why does Japan keep changing leaders? It's due in part of it being a "single-party system", says Professor James Brown of Temple University in Japan.
The LDP's grip on the country's politics means the main political competition comes from within the party, rather than from external parties.
"Therefore inside the LDP there are vicious struggles within various groups - they all desire their own faction to secure the leadership position."
"So even though you could be selected as prime minister, as soon as you're in office, you have many individuals scheming to try to get you out again."
Key Factors Behind Frequent Changes
- Single-party rule restricts external competition
- Internal factional rivalries fuel power struggles
- The prime minister's position is frequently called a "poisoned chalice"
- Government continuity stays elusive despite economic strength
