🔗 Share this article Japan set to elect female prime minister in historic first In the past twenty years, Japan has seen over ten leaders. Actually, a specialist compares taking up the nation's top job to taking a "cursed cup". However, what is the reason does Japan frequently replace leaders? It's due in part of it being a "one-party democracy", says Prof James Brown of Temple University in Japan. The LDP's grip on the political landscape means the main political competition originates within the party, instead of from opposition groups. "So within the LDP there are intense conflicts within different factions - they all desire their own faction to get the top job." "Thus although you might be selected as prime minister, as soon as you're in power, you have many individuals manoeuvring to try to get you out again." Key Factors Behind Frequent Changes Single-party rule restricts external competition Party infighting drive power struggles The prime minister's position is often described as a "poisoned chalice" Government continuity remains difficult to achieve despite financial power