The nation on course to elect woman prime minister in historic first
In the past twenty years, Japan has had more than 10 prime ministers.
Actually, a specialist compares taking up the nation's highest office to drinking from a "cursed cup".
However, what is the reason does Japan keep changing leaders? This is partly because of it being a "single-party system", explains Professor James Brown of Temple University in Japan.
The LDP's grip on the country's politics means the primary rivalry originates inside 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 chosen as leader, as soon as you're in office, you have dozens of people scheming to try to remove you again."
Key Factors Behind Frequent Changes
- Single-party rule limits external competition
- Party infighting drive power struggles
- The prime minister's position is frequently called a "cursed position"
- Political stability remains elusive despite financial power