The nation on course to elect woman prime minister in landmark first
Over the last two decades, the country has had over ten prime ministers.
Actually, a specialist likens assuming the nation's top job to taking a "poisoned chalice".
However, what is the reason does Japan keep changing leaders? It's due in part of it being a "one-party democracy", explains Prof James Brown of Temple University in Japan.
The LDP's grip on the country's politics means the primary rivalry comes from within the party, rather than from opposition groups.
"Therefore inside the LDP there are vicious struggles within various groups - they all desire their own faction to secure the top job."
"Thus although you might be selected as leader, the moment you're in office, you have dozens of people manoeuvring to try to remove you again."
Key Factors Behind Rapid Turnover
- Single-party rule restricts outside challenges
- Internal factional rivalries fuel leadership contests
- The prime minister's position is frequently called a "cursed position"
- Government continuity stays difficult to achieve despite economic strength
