The nation on course to elect woman prime minister in landmark first
In the past twenty years, the country has had more than 10 leaders.
In fact, one expert compares taking up the nation's highest office to drinking from a "cursed cup".
However, what is the reason 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 Liberal Democratic Party's control on the country's politics means the main political competition originates inside the party, instead of from opposition groups.
"Therefore inside the LDP there are intense conflicts within various groups - they all want their own clique to get 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 get you out again."
Key Factors Behind Frequent Changes
- Single-party rule restricts external competition
- Internal factional rivalries fuel power struggles
- The leadership role is frequently called a "cursed position"
- Government continuity remains elusive despite financial power
