Japan set to choose woman prime minister in landmark first
Over the last two decades, Japan has had more than 10 prime ministers.
Actually, a specialist compares taking up the nation's top job to taking a "cursed cup".
But why does Japan keep changing leaders? It's due in part of it being a "single-party system", says Professor James Brown of Temple University Japan.
The LDP's grip on the political landscape means the main political competition comes from inside the party, instead of from external parties.
"Therefore inside the LDP there are vicious struggles within different factions - they all desire their own faction to secure the leadership position."
"So even though you might be chosen as prime minister, as soon as you're in power, you have dozens of people manoeuvring to try to get you out again."
Main Reasons Behind Frequent Changes
- Single-party rule restricts outside challenges
- Internal factional rivalries fuel leadership contests
- The prime minister's position is frequently called a "cursed position"
- Political stability remains difficult to achieve despite economic strength
