🔗 Share this article The nation set to choose woman prime minister in historic first Over the last two decades, Japan has had more than 10 prime ministers. Actually, a specialist compares assuming the country's top job to taking a "poisoned chalice". But why does Japan frequently replace leaders? It's due in part of it being a "one-party democracy", explains Prof James Brown of Temple University in Japan. The Liberal Democratic Party's control on the country's politics means the main political competition originates within the party, instead of from opposition groups. "So within the LDP there are intense conflicts within various groups - they all want their own clique to secure the leadership position." "Thus although you might be chosen as prime minister, as soon as you're in power, you have many individuals scheming to try to remove you again." Main Reasons Behind Rapid Turnover Single-party rule restricts external competition Party infighting fuel power struggles The leadership role is frequently called a "poisoned chalice" Political stability stays elusive despite economic strength