Japan set to choose woman prime minister in historic first
Over the last two decades, Japan has had more than 10 leaders.
In fact, a specialist compares taking up the nation's highest office to taking a "poisoned chalice".
However, what is the reason does the country frequently replace leaders? It's due in part of it being a "one-party democracy", says Professor James Brown of Temple University in Japan.
The Liberal Democratic Party's control on the political landscape means the main political competition comes from within the party, rather than from external parties.
"Therefore inside the LDP there are intense conflicts within various groups - they all want their own faction to secure the top job."
"So even though you might be chosen as leader, as soon as you're in office, you have many individuals scheming to try to get you out again."
Key Factors Behind Rapid Turnover
- One-party dominance limits outside challenges
- Internal factional rivalries fuel power struggles
- The leadership role is frequently called a "poisoned chalice"
- Government continuity remains elusive despite financial power
