🔗 Share this article The nation on course to elect woman prime minister in historic first Over the last two decades, Japan has had more than 10 prime ministers. In fact, a specialist compares assuming the country's top job to drinking from a "cursed cup". However, what is the reason does the country frequently replace leaders? It's due in part of it being a "one-party democracy", says Professor James Brown of Temple University in Japan. The LDP's grip on the country's politics means the primary rivalry comes from inside the party, rather than from opposition groups. "So within the LDP there are vicious struggles within various groups - they all want their own faction to secure the leadership position." "Thus although you might be chosen as leader, the moment you're in office, you have many individuals scheming to try to get you out again." Key Factors Behind Frequent Changes One-party dominance limits outside challenges Internal factional rivalries fuel leadership contests The leadership role is often described as a "cursed position" Government continuity remains elusive despite economic strength