🔗 Share this article The nation set to choose woman prime minister in historic first Over the last two decades, Japan has had over ten leaders. In fact, a specialist likens taking up the country's top job to taking a "poisoned chalice". But why does Japan frequently replace leaders? This is partly because of it being a "single-party system", says Prof 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 desire their own clique to get the top job." "Thus although you might be chosen as leader, the moment you're in power, you have dozens of people scheming to try to get you out again." Main Reasons Behind Rapid Turnover One-party dominance limits outside challenges Party infighting fuel power struggles The prime minister's position is often described as a "cursed position" Government continuity remains difficult to achieve despite economic strength