The nation set to elect woman prime minister in historic first
In the past twenty years, Japan has seen more than 10 prime ministers.
In fact, a specialist compares taking up the nation's top job to drinking from a "poisoned chalice".
But why does Japan keep changing leaders? It's due in part of it being a "single-party system", explains Prof James Brown of Temple University Japan.
The LDP's grip on the political landscape means the main political competition comes from inside the party, rather than from opposition groups.
"Therefore inside the LDP there are vicious struggles within various groups - they all desire their own clique to secure the leadership position."
"So even though you could be selected as leader, the moment you're in office, you have many individuals scheming to try to remove you again."
Key Factors Behind Rapid Turnover
- Single-party rule restricts outside challenges
- Internal factional rivalries fuel power struggles
- The prime minister's position is frequently called a "cursed position"
- Government continuity stays difficult to achieve despite economic strength
