The nation on course to choose female prime minister in historic first
In the past twenty years, Japan has seen over ten leaders.
In fact, a specialist compares taking up the country's top job to drinking from a "poisoned chalice".
However, what is the reason does Japan keep changing prime ministers? This is partly because of it being a "one-party democracy", explains Prof 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 external parties.
"Therefore inside the LDP there are vicious struggles within various groups - they all want their own clique to secure the leadership position."
"So even though you might be chosen as prime minister, the moment you're in office, you have many individuals manoeuvring to try to remove you again."
Main Reasons Behind Frequent Changes
- One-party dominance restricts outside challenges
- Internal factional rivalries drive leadership contests
- The leadership role is often described as a "poisoned chalice"
- Government continuity stays elusive despite economic strength
