Japan on course to elect woman prime minister in historic first
Over the last two decades, the country has seen more than 10 prime ministers.
Actually, one expert compares taking up the country's top job to drinking from a "poisoned chalice".
But why does the country frequently replace prime ministers? This is partly because of it being a "single-party system", explains Professor James Brown of Temple University in Japan.
The Liberal Democratic Party's control on the country's politics means the main political competition originates inside the party, rather than from external parties.
"Therefore inside the LDP there are intense conflicts within different factions - they all want their own faction to get the top job."
"So even though you might be chosen as prime minister, the moment you're in power, you have many individuals manoeuvring to try to get you out again."
Key Factors Behind Rapid Turnover
- Single-party rule restricts outside challenges
- Internal factional rivalries drive leadership contests
- The prime minister's position is often described as a "poisoned chalice"
- Political stability remains elusive despite economic strength
