🔗 Share this article The nation on course to choose female prime minister in historic first Over the last two decades, Japan has had more than 10 leaders. Actually, a specialist likens taking up the country's top job to taking a "cursed cup". However, what is the reason does the country keep changing leaders? It's due in part of it being a "one-party democracy", says Prof James Brown of Temple University 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. "Therefore inside the LDP there are vicious struggles within various groups - they all desire their own clique to secure the top job." "So even though you might be selected as prime minister, the moment you're in office, you have many individuals scheming to try to get you out again." Main Reasons Behind Frequent Changes Single-party rule limits external competition Party infighting drive leadership contests The prime minister's position is often described as a "cursed position" Government continuity remains elusive despite economic strength