The nation on course to elect woman prime minister in historic first
Over the last two decades, the country has had over ten leaders.
Actually, one expert compares assuming the country'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", 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 opposition groups.
"Therefore inside the LDP there are intense conflicts within various groups - they all want their own faction to secure the leadership position."
"Thus although you might be selected as prime minister, as soon as you're in power, you have dozens of people manoeuvring to try to get you out again."
Key Factors Behind Frequent Changes
- One-party dominance restricts outside challenges
- Internal factional rivalries fuel leadership contests
- The prime minister's position is frequently called a "cursed position"
- Government continuity remains elusive despite financial power
