Japan set to elect female prime minister in historic first
In the past twenty years, the country has seen over ten leaders.
Actually, one expert likens assuming the country's top job to taking a "cursed cup".
However, what is the reason does Japan keep changing leaders? It's due in part of it being a "one-party democracy", says Prof James Brown of Temple University in Japan.
The LDP's grip on the political landscape means the primary rivalry originates inside the party, instead of from opposition groups.
"Therefore inside the LDP there are intense conflicts within different factions - they all desire their own faction to secure the top job."
"Thus although you could be selected as prime minister, as soon as you're in office, you have dozens of people scheming to try to remove you again."
Key Factors Behind Rapid Turnover
- Single-party rule limits external competition
- Internal factional rivalries drive power struggles
- The prime minister's position is often described as a "cursed position"
- Political stability stays difficult to achieve despite economic strength
