The nation set to elect female prime minister in historic first
Over the last two decades, Japan has seen more than 10 leaders.
In fact, a specialist likens taking up the nation's top job to drinking from a "poisoned chalice".
But why does Japan frequently replace prime ministers? It's due in part 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 primary rivalry comes from within the party, rather than from opposition groups.
"So within the LDP there are vicious struggles within different factions - 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 scheming to try to remove you again."
Key Factors Behind Rapid Turnover
- One-party dominance restricts external competition
- Internal factional rivalries fuel leadership contests
- The leadership role is frequently called a "poisoned chalice"
- Political stability stays difficult to achieve despite economic strength
