The nation on course to elect woman prime minister in landmark first
Over the last two decades, the country has seen more than 10 prime ministers.
Actually, a specialist compares taking up the nation's highest office to taking a "cursed cup".
But why does the country keep changing leaders? It's due in part of it being a "single-party system", explains Professor James Brown of Temple University Japan.
The Liberal Democratic Party's control on the political landscape means the main political competition comes from within the party, rather than from opposition groups.
"Therefore inside the LDP there are intense conflicts within various groups - they all desire their own clique to secure the leadership position."
"Thus although you could be selected as leader, as soon as you're in power, you have dozens of people scheming to try to remove you again."
Key Factors Behind Rapid Turnover
- One-party dominance restricts external competition
- Internal factional rivalries fuel power struggles
- The leadership role is frequently called a "poisoned chalice"
- Government continuity remains elusive despite economic strength
