🔗 Share this article The nation set to elect female prime minister in landmark first Over the last two decades, Japan has had over ten prime ministers. Actually, a specialist compares assuming the nation's top job to taking a "cursed cup". However, what is the reason does Japan frequently replace leaders? This is partly because of it being a "one-party democracy", says Professor James Brown of Temple University in Japan. The LDP's grip on the country's politics means the main political competition comes from inside the party, rather than from opposition groups. "Therefore inside the LDP there are vicious struggles within different factions - they all want their own clique to get the top job." "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 Frequent Changes Single-party rule restricts external competition Internal factional rivalries fuel power struggles The prime minister's position is frequently called a "poisoned chalice" Political stability stays elusive despite economic strength