The nation on course to elect female prime minister in historic first
In the past twenty years, the country has seen more than 10 prime ministers.
Actually, a specialist compares taking up the nation's top job to drinking from a "cursed cup".
But why does Japan keep changing prime ministers? It's due in part of it being a "one-party democracy", explains Prof James Brown of Temple University Japan.
The LDP's grip on the country's politics means the main political competition originates within the party, instead of from external parties.
"So within the LDP there are vicious struggles within various groups - they all desire their own clique to secure the leadership position."
"So even though you might be selected as leader, as soon as you're in power, you have dozens of people manoeuvring to try to remove you again."
Key Factors Behind Rapid Turnover
- Single-party rule limits external competition
- Internal factional rivalries fuel power struggles
- The leadership role is often described as a "cursed position"
- Government continuity stays difficult to achieve despite financial power
