The nation set to elect female prime minister in historic first
Over the last two decades, Japan has seen more than 10 leaders.
Actually, one expert compares taking up the nation's highest office to drinking from a "poisoned chalice".
But why does Japan keep changing leaders? It's due in part of it being a "one-party democracy", explains Prof James Brown of Temple University in Japan.
The LDP's grip on the political landscape means the main political competition originates inside the party, instead of from external parties.
"Therefore inside the LDP there are vicious struggles within various groups - they all desire their own faction to get the top job."
"Thus although you might be chosen as prime minister, as soon as you're in power, you have many individuals manoeuvring to try to get you out again."
Key Factors Behind Rapid Turnover
- One-party dominance limits external competition
- Internal factional rivalries fuel power struggles
- The prime minister's position is often described as a "cursed position"
- Political stability remains difficult to achieve despite financial power