Japan set to choose woman prime minister in historic first
In the past twenty years, Japan has had more than 10 leaders.
Actually, a specialist compares assuming the country's top job to taking a "cursed cup".
But why does the country keep changing leaders? It's due in part of it being a "single-party system", says Prof James Brown of Temple University in Japan.
The LDP's grip on the political landscape means the main political competition comes from within the party, rather than from opposition groups.
"So within the LDP there are vicious struggles within different factions - they all want their own clique to secure the top job."
"Thus although you might be selected as prime minister, as soon as you're in office, you have dozens of people scheming to try to get you out again."
Main Reasons Behind Frequent Changes
- Single-party rule restricts outside challenges
- Internal factional rivalries drive power struggles
- The prime minister's position is frequently called a "cursed position"
- Political stability stays difficult to achieve despite financial power
