The nation on course to elect woman prime minister in historic first
In the past twenty years, Japan has seen over ten prime ministers.
In fact, one expert compares assuming the nation's top job to drinking from a "poisoned chalice".
But why does Japan frequently replace prime ministers? It's due in part of it being a "one-party democracy", explains Professor James Brown of Temple University Japan.
The Liberal Democratic Party's control on the political landscape means the main political competition originates within the party, rather than from external parties.
"Therefore inside the LDP there are intense conflicts within different factions - they all want their own clique to secure the leadership position."
"So even though you might be chosen as leader, as soon as you're in power, you have dozens of people manoeuvring to try to remove you again."
Main Reasons Behind Rapid Turnover
- Single-party rule restricts outside challenges
- Internal factional rivalries drive power struggles
- The prime minister's position is frequently called a "poisoned chalice"
- Government continuity remains elusive despite financial power
