The nation on course to choose female prime minister in historic first
In the past twenty years, the country has seen more than 10 prime ministers.
In fact, one expert likens taking up the nation'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", explains Prof James Brown of Temple University in Japan.
The Liberal Democratic Party's control on the country's politics means the main political competition comes from inside the party, rather than from external parties.
"Therefore inside the LDP there are intense conflicts within different factions - they all want their own clique to get the top job."
"So even though you could be selected as prime minister, as soon as you're in office, you have dozens of people scheming to try to remove you again."
Main Reasons Behind Frequent Changes
- Single-party rule restricts external competition
- Party infighting fuel power struggles
- The prime minister's position is frequently called a "cursed position"
- Government continuity remains elusive despite economic strength
