🔗 Share this article The nation on course to choose female prime minister in landmark first Over the last two decades, the country has had over ten leaders. Actually, a specialist compares taking up the nation's highest office to taking a "poisoned chalice". However, what is the reason does Japan keep changing prime ministers? This is partly because of it being a "one-party democracy", explains Professor James Brown of Temple University in Japan. The LDP's grip on the political landscape 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 top job." "So even though you could be chosen as leader, as soon as you're in office, you have dozens of people scheming to try to remove you again." Key Factors Behind Frequent Changes Single-party rule limits outside challenges Party infighting drive leadership contests The leadership role is frequently called a "poisoned chalice" Political stability stays difficult to achieve despite economic strength