🔗 Share this article Japan set to choose woman prime minister in historic first Over the last two decades, the country has had more than 10 prime ministers. Actually, a specialist likens taking up the country's top job to drinking from a "poisoned chalice". But why does the country frequently replace leaders? This is partly because of it being a "one-party democracy", says Prof James Brown of Temple University in Japan. The Liberal Democratic Party's control on the political landscape 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 chosen as prime minister, the moment you're in office, you have dozens of people manoeuvring to try to get you out again." Key Factors Behind Rapid Turnover One-party dominance restricts external competition Party infighting fuel leadership contests The prime minister's position is often described as a "cursed position" Government continuity remains difficult to achieve despite economic strength