The nation on course to choose female prime minister in historic first
Over the last two decades, the country has seen more than 10 leaders.
Actually, one expert likens assuming the nation's top job to taking a "cursed cup".
But why does the country frequently replace prime ministers? It's due in part of it being a "single-party system", explains Prof James Brown of Temple University in Japan.
The LDP's grip on the country's politics means the primary rivalry comes from within the party, rather than from external parties.
"Therefore inside the LDP there are intense conflicts within different factions - they all desire their own clique to secure the leadership position."
"So even though you might be selected as prime minister, as soon as you're in power, you have dozens of people manoeuvring to try to get you out again."
Main Reasons Behind Frequent Changes
- One-party dominance limits external competition
- Internal factional rivalries drive power struggles
- The prime minister's position is often described as a "cursed position"
- Government continuity remains elusive despite economic strength
