🔗 Share this article Japan on course to elect female prime minister in landmark first Over the last two decades, Japan has had more than 10 leaders. In fact, one expert likens taking up the nation's top job to taking a "cursed cup". However, what is the reason does the country 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 country's politics means the primary rivalry comes from inside the party, instead of from opposition groups. "Therefore inside the LDP there are vicious struggles within different factions - they all want their own faction to secure the leadership position." "So even though 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 Internal factional rivalries drive power struggles The leadership role is often described as a "cursed position" Political stability stays elusive despite economic strength