The nation on course to choose female prime minister in historic first
Over the last two decades, Japan has had more than 10 leaders.
In fact, one expert likens taking up the nation's top job to taking a "poisoned chalice".
However, what is the reason does Japan keep changing prime ministers? This is partly because of it being a "single-party system", says Prof James Brown of Temple University in Japan.
The Liberal Democratic Party's control on the country's politics means the primary rivalry originates inside the party, instead of from opposition groups.
"Therefore inside the LDP there are vicious struggles within different factions - they all desire their own faction to secure the leadership position."
"Thus although you might be chosen as prime minister, the moment you're in office, you have many individuals manoeuvring to try to remove you again."
Key Factors Behind Frequent Changes
- One-party dominance limits external competition
- Internal factional rivalries drive power struggles
- The leadership role is frequently called a "cursed position"
- Government continuity remains elusive despite financial power
