The nation set to elect female prime minister in landmark first
Over the last two decades, the country has had over ten leaders.
In fact, one expert compares assuming the nation's top job to drinking from a "poisoned chalice".
However, what is the reason 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 Liberal Democratic Party's control on the political landscape means the main political competition originates inside the party, rather than from opposition groups.
"Therefore inside the LDP there are intense conflicts within different factions - they all desire their own clique to secure the top job."
"Thus although you could be selected as prime minister, as soon as you're in office, you have dozens of people manoeuvring to try to remove you again."
Main Reasons Behind Rapid Turnover
- One-party dominance restricts external competition
- Party infighting fuel leadership contests
- The prime minister's position is frequently called a "cursed position"
- Political stability remains difficult to achieve despite financial power
