The nation on course to elect female prime minister in historic first
Over the last two decades, the country has seen more than 10 prime ministers.
Actually, a specialist likens assuming the nation's top job to drinking from a "poisoned chalice".
But why does the country keep changing leaders? This is partly because of it being a "single-party system", explains Professor James Brown of Temple University in Japan.
The Liberal Democratic Party's control on the country's politics means the primary rivalry originates within the party, instead of from opposition groups.
"Therefore inside the LDP there are intense conflicts within different factions - they all want their own faction to secure the leadership position."
"So even though you might be selected as leader, as soon as you're in power, you have many individuals manoeuvring to try to remove you again."
Main Reasons Behind Rapid Turnover
- Single-party rule restricts external competition
- Internal factional rivalries drive power struggles
- The leadership role is often described as a "cursed position"
- Government continuity remains elusive despite economic strength
