The nation on course to elect female prime minister in landmark first
In the past twenty years, Japan has had more than 10 leaders.
Actually, one expert compares assuming the nation's top job to taking a "poisoned chalice".
However, what is the reason does Japan keep changing leaders? 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 primary rivalry comes from within the party, rather than from external parties.
"Therefore inside the LDP there are vicious struggles within various groups - they all desire their own faction to secure the top job."
"So even though you might be chosen as leader, as soon as 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
- Party infighting drive leadership contests
- The leadership role is frequently called a "poisoned chalice"
- Government continuity remains difficult to achieve despite financial power
