The nation on course to elect female prime minister in landmark first
Over the last two decades, Japan has seen more than 10 leaders.
Actually, a specialist compares assuming the nation's top job to drinking from a "poisoned chalice".
But why does Japan frequently replace leaders? This is partly because of it being a "one-party democracy", explains Professor James Brown of Temple University Japan.
The Liberal Democratic Party's control on the country's politics means the main political competition comes from within the party, instead of from opposition groups.
"Therefore inside the LDP there are intense conflicts within various groups - they all desire their own clique to get the leadership position."
"Thus although you could be chosen as prime minister, as soon as you're in office, you have dozens of people scheming to try to remove you again."
Key Factors Behind Rapid Turnover
- Single-party rule restricts external competition
- Internal factional rivalries fuel leadership contests
- The leadership role is frequently called a "poisoned chalice"
- Government continuity remains elusive despite economic strength
