The nation on course to elect female prime minister in historic first
In the past twenty years, the country has had more than 10 prime ministers.
In fact, one expert likens assuming the nation's top job to taking a "poisoned chalice".
However, what is the reason does the country keep changing leaders? 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 main political competition comes from inside the party, instead of from opposition groups.
"Therefore inside the LDP there are intense conflicts within different factions - they all desire their own faction to get the top job."
"Thus although you might be selected as leader, the moment you're in office, you have dozens of people manoeuvring to try to get you out again."
Key Factors Behind Frequent Changes
- One-party dominance limits outside challenges
- Party infighting drive leadership contests
- The prime minister's position is often described as a "cursed position"
- Political stability stays elusive despite economic strength
