The nation set to elect woman prime minister in landmark first
In the past twenty years, the country has seen over ten leaders.
Actually, one expert compares taking up the nation's highest office to drinking from a "cursed cup".
But why does the country keep changing leaders? It's due in part of it being a "single-party system", explains Professor James Brown of Temple University in Japan.
The LDP's grip on the political landscape means the main political competition originates inside the party, rather than from external parties.
"So within the LDP there are intense conflicts within different factions - they all desire their own clique to secure the leadership position."
"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."
Main Reasons Behind Rapid Turnover
- Single-party rule restricts outside challenges
- Internal factional rivalries drive leadership contests
- The prime minister's position is frequently called a "poisoned chalice"
- Political stability remains difficult to achieve despite economic strength
