🔗 Share this article The nation on course to elect female prime minister in landmark first Over the last two decades, Japan has had more than 10 prime ministers. Actually, one expert likens taking up the country's top job to drinking from a "cursed cup". However, what is the reason does Japan frequently replace leaders? It's due in part of it being a "single-party system", says Prof James Brown of Temple University in Japan. The LDP's grip on the country's politics means the main political competition originates inside the party, instead of from opposition groups. "Therefore inside the LDP there are intense conflicts within various groups - they all desire their own clique to secure the top job." "So even though you could be chosen as prime minister, as soon as you're in office, you have dozens of people manoeuvring to try to get you out again." Key Factors Behind Rapid Turnover One-party dominance restricts outside challenges Internal factional rivalries drive power struggles The leadership role is frequently called a "poisoned chalice" Political stability stays difficult to achieve despite financial power