Japan on course to choose female prime minister in historic first
In the past twenty years, Japan has had over ten prime ministers.
In fact, one expert compares taking up the country's top job to taking a "cursed cup".
But why does the country frequently replace leaders? It's due in part of it being a "single-party system", explains Prof James Brown of Temple University Japan.
The Liberal Democratic Party's control on the political landscape means the main political competition comes from inside the party, rather than from opposition groups.
"So within the LDP there are intense conflicts within various groups - they all want their own clique to get the top job."
"Thus although you could be chosen as leader, the moment you're in power, you have dozens of people scheming to try to get you out again."
Main Reasons Behind Frequent Changes
- One-party dominance limits external competition
- Internal factional rivalries drive leadership contests
- The leadership role is frequently called a "cursed position"
- Political stability remains difficult to achieve despite economic strength
