The nation on course to elect woman prime minister in landmark first
In the past twenty years, the country has seen over ten leaders.
Actually, one expert likens taking up the country's highest office to taking a "poisoned chalice".
But why does the country frequently replace leaders? This is partly because of it being a "single-party system", says Professor James Brown of Temple University in Japan.
The LDP's grip on the political landscape means the main political competition comes from inside the party, rather than from external parties.
"So within the LDP there are intense conflicts within various groups - they all want their own faction to get the top job."
"So even though you might be chosen as leader, the moment you're in power, you have many individuals scheming to try to get you out again."
Key Factors Behind Frequent Changes
- Single-party rule limits outside challenges
- Internal factional rivalries fuel leadership contests
- The leadership role is frequently called a "cursed position"
- Government continuity remains difficult to achieve despite financial power
