The nation on course to elect female prime minister in historic first
In the past twenty years, Japan has had more than 10 prime ministers.
Actually, a specialist compares assuming the country's highest office to taking a "poisoned chalice".
But why does the country frequently replace prime ministers? 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 political landscape means the main political competition originates within the party, instead of from opposition groups.
"Therefore inside the LDP there are intense conflicts within different factions - they all want their own clique to get the top job."
"So even though you might be selected as leader, as soon as you're in office, you have many individuals scheming to try to get you out again."
Main Reasons Behind Rapid Turnover
- One-party dominance limits external competition
- Internal factional rivalries drive leadership contests
- The prime minister's position is often described as a "poisoned chalice"
- Political stability stays difficult to achieve despite economic strength
