Japan set to elect female prime minister in historic first
Over the last two decades, the country has had over ten prime ministers.
In fact, a specialist likens assuming the country's top job to taking a "poisoned chalice".
But why does the country keep changing leaders? 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 main political competition comes from within the party, rather than from opposition groups.
"So within the LDP there are intense conflicts within various groups - they all desire their own clique to secure the leadership position."
"So even though you could be chosen as prime minister, as soon as you're in power, you have dozens of people scheming to try to remove you again."
Main Reasons Behind Rapid Turnover
- One-party dominance restricts outside challenges
- Party infighting fuel power struggles
- The prime minister's position is frequently called a "poisoned chalice"
- Political stability stays difficult to achieve despite financial power