Japan on course to elect woman prime minister in historic first
Over the last two decades, Japan has seen more than 10 leaders.
In fact, one expert likens assuming the country's top job to taking a "poisoned chalice".
But why does the country keep changing leaders? This is partly because of it being a "single-party system", explains Prof James Brown of Temple University Japan.
The Liberal Democratic Party's control on the country's politics means the primary rivalry originates within the party, instead of from opposition groups.
"So within the LDP there are vicious struggles within different factions - they all desire their own clique to get the leadership position."
"So even though you could be selected as prime minister, as soon as you're in office, you have dozens of people manoeuvring to try to get you out again."
Key Factors Behind Rapid Turnover
- One-party dominance limits outside challenges
- Internal factional rivalries fuel leadership contests
- The leadership role is often described as a "cursed position"
- Government continuity remains difficult to achieve despite financial power
