🔗 Share this article Japan on course to choose woman prime minister in landmark first Over the last two decades, the country has seen over ten leaders. In fact, one expert likens assuming the nation's top job to drinking from a "cursed cup". However, what is the reason does Japan keep changing prime ministers? This is partly because of it being a "single-party system", explains Prof James Brown of Temple University Japan. The Liberal Democratic Party's control on the country's politics means the primary rivalry comes from within the party, instead of from opposition groups. "So within the LDP there are vicious struggles within various groups - they all desire their own faction to secure the leadership position." "So even though you could be selected as prime minister, as soon as you're in office, you have dozens of people scheming to try to get you out again." Key Factors Behind Frequent Changes Single-party rule limits external competition Party infighting drive power struggles The leadership role is frequently called a "poisoned chalice" Government continuity remains difficult to achieve despite financial power