Japan set to choose female prime minister in landmark first

In the past twenty years, Japan has seen over ten leaders.

Actually, a specialist likens assuming the nation's highest office to drinking from a "poisoned chalice".

However, what is the reason does Japan keep changing prime ministers? This is partly because of it being a "one-party democracy", says Prof James Brown of Temple University in Japan.

The Liberal Democratic Party's control on the country's politics means the main political competition comes from inside the party, instead of from external parties.

"So within the LDP there are intense conflicts within various groups - they all want their own clique to secure the leadership position."

"So even though you might be selected as prime minister, as soon as you're in power, you have dozens of people manoeuvring to try to remove you again."

Main Reasons Behind Frequent Changes

• One-party dominance restricts external competition
• Internal factional rivalries fuel leadership contests
• The prime minister's position is frequently called a "poisoned chalice"
• Political stability remains difficult to achieve despite economic strength