🔗 Share this article The nation set to elect woman prime minister in landmark first In the past twenty years, Japan has had more than 10 leaders. Actually, a specialist compares assuming the nation's highest office to taking a "poisoned chalice". But why does Japan frequently replace prime ministers? This is partly because of it being a "one-party democracy", says Prof James Brown of Temple University in Japan. The Liberal Democratic Party's control on the country's politics means the primary rivalry originates within the party, rather than from external parties. "Therefore inside the LDP there are vicious struggles within various groups - they all want their own clique to secure the leadership position." "Thus although you could be selected as prime minister, as soon as you're in power, you have many individuals scheming to try to remove you again." Key Factors Behind Frequent Changes One-party dominance restricts external competition Internal factional rivalries drive leadership contests The prime minister's position is frequently called a "cursed position" Government continuity remains difficult to achieve despite economic strength