The nation set to elect female prime minister in historic first
Over the last two decades, the country has had more than 10 prime ministers.
Actually, a specialist compares taking up the nation's highest office to drinking from a "poisoned chalice".
But why does the country keep changing leaders? This is partly because of it being a "single-party system", says Prof James Brown of Temple University in Japan.
The Liberal Democratic Party's control on the country's politics means the primary rivalry comes from within the party, rather than from opposition groups.
"Therefore inside the LDP there are vicious struggles within various groups - they all desire their own faction to secure the leadership position."
"Thus although you might be selected as leader, the moment you're in office, you have many individuals scheming to try to get you out again."
Key Factors Behind Rapid Turnover
- Single-party rule restricts outside challenges
- Internal factional rivalries fuel leadership contests
- The leadership role is often described as a "poisoned chalice"
- Political stability stays difficult to achieve despite economic strength