The nation on course to choose female prime minister in historic first
Over the last two decades, the country has seen over ten leaders.
In fact, a specialist likens assuming the nation's top job to drinking from a "poisoned chalice".
But why does Japan keep changing prime ministers? It's due in part of it being a "single-party system", explains Prof James Brown of Temple University in Japan.
The LDP's grip on the country's politics means the primary rivalry originates within the party, rather than from opposition groups.
"Therefore inside the LDP there are vicious struggles 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 power, you have many individuals scheming to try to remove you again."
Key Factors Behind Rapid Turnover
- Single-party rule restricts outside challenges
- Party infighting drive power struggles
- The leadership role is often described as a "poisoned chalice"
- Political stability remains difficult to achieve despite financial power
