🔗 Share this article Japan on course to elect female prime minister in landmark first In the past twenty years, Japan has seen over ten leaders. Actually, one expert likens assuming the nation's top job to drinking from a "poisoned chalice". But why does Japan frequently replace leaders? This is partly because of it being a "single-party system", says Prof James Brown of Temple University Japan. The Liberal Democratic Party's control on the political landscape means the primary rivalry comes from within the party, rather than from opposition groups. "So within the LDP there are vicious struggles within various groups - they all desire their own faction to get the top job." "Thus although you could be selected as prime minister, as soon as you're in power, you have many individuals scheming to try to get you out again." Main Reasons Behind Rapid Turnover Single-party rule limits outside challenges Internal factional rivalries fuel power struggles The leadership role is frequently called a "cursed position" Government continuity stays elusive despite economic strength