The nation on course to elect woman prime minister in historic first
In the past twenty years, Japan has seen more than 10 leaders.
Actually, one expert compares taking up the country's highest office to drinking from a "poisoned chalice".
However, what is the reason does Japan frequently replace leaders? This is partly because of it being a "single-party system", says Prof James Brown of Temple University in Japan.
The LDP's grip on the country's politics means the main political competition comes from inside the party, rather than from external parties.
"Therefore inside the LDP there are intense conflicts within various groups - they all desire their own faction to get the leadership position."
"Thus although you might be chosen as leader, as soon as you're in office, you have many individuals manoeuvring to try to remove you again."
Main Reasons Behind Frequent Changes
- One-party dominance limits external competition
- Internal factional rivalries fuel leadership contests
- The prime minister's position is frequently called a "poisoned chalice"
- Government continuity remains difficult to achieve despite economic strength
