Japan set to choose woman prime minister in historic first
Over the last two decades, the country has had more than 10 prime ministers.
In fact, one expert likens taking up the nation's top job to drinking from a "poisoned chalice".
But why does the country keep changing leaders? It's due in part of it being a "single-party system", says Professor James Brown of Temple University Japan.
The LDP's grip on the political landscape means the primary rivalry comes from inside the party, rather than from external parties.
"Therefore inside the LDP there are intense conflicts within different factions - they all want their own faction to secure the top job."
"So even though you might be selected as leader, as soon as you're in power, you have dozens of people manoeuvring to try to remove you again."
Key Factors Behind Frequent Changes
- One-party dominance restricts outside challenges
- Party infighting fuel leadership contests
- The leadership role is often described as a "cursed position"
- Political stability stays elusive despite financial power
