🔗 Share this article The nation set to elect female prime minister in historic first In the past twenty years, the country has had over ten prime ministers. Actually, one expert compares assuming the nation's highest office to taking a "cursed cup". But why does Japan frequently replace leaders? It's due in part of it being a "one-party democracy", explains Professor James Brown of Temple University in Japan. The LDP's grip on the country's politics means the main political competition originates within the party, instead of from opposition groups. "So within the LDP there are vicious struggles within various groups - they all want their own faction to get the top job." "So even though you might be selected as leader, as soon as you're in office, you have dozens of people scheming to try to get you out again." Key Factors Behind Frequent Changes Single-party rule limits external competition Party infighting fuel leadership contests The prime minister's position is frequently called a "poisoned chalice" Government continuity remains difficult to achieve despite financial power