🔗 Share this article The nation on course to elect woman prime minister in landmark first In the past twenty years, Japan has had more than 10 leaders. Actually, a specialist compares assuming the nation's top job to taking a "poisoned chalice". But why does the country frequently replace prime ministers? This is partly because of it being a "single-party system", explains Professor James Brown of Temple University Japan. The LDP's grip on the country's politics means the main political competition originates inside the party, instead of from opposition groups. "So within the LDP there are vicious struggles within different factions - they all desire their own clique to get the leadership position." "Thus although you might be selected as leader, the moment you're in power, you have dozens of people scheming to try to get you out again." Key Factors Behind Rapid Turnover Single-party rule restricts external competition Internal factional rivalries fuel leadership contests The prime minister's position is frequently called a "poisoned chalice" Political stability remains elusive despite economic strength