Japan on course to choose female prime minister in historic first
Over the last two decades, the country has seen more than 10 prime ministers.
In fact, one expert likens taking up the country's top job to drinking from a "poisoned chalice".
But why does Japan frequently replace leaders? It's due in part of it being a "single-party system", explains 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 external parties.
"Therefore inside the LDP there are intense conflicts within different factions - they all want their own clique to get the top job."
"Thus although you might be chosen as leader, the moment you're in power, you have dozens of people scheming to try to remove you again."
Key Factors Behind Rapid Turnover
- Single-party rule restricts external competition
- Internal factional rivalries fuel leadership contests
- The prime minister's position is frequently called a "cursed position"
- Government continuity remains elusive despite financial power
