The nation on course to elect female prime minister in historic first
In the past twenty years, the country has had more than 10 prime ministers.
Actually, one expert compares taking up the nation's top job 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 Japan.
The Liberal Democratic Party's control 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 vicious struggles within different factions - they all want their own clique to get the top job."
"So even though you could be chosen as prime minister, the moment you're in power, you have dozens of people manoeuvring to try to get you out again."
Main Reasons Behind Rapid Turnover
- One-party dominance restricts external competition
- Party infighting fuel leadership contests
- The prime minister's position is frequently called a "poisoned chalice"
- Government continuity remains difficult to achieve despite financial power