đź”— Share this article Japan set to choose woman prime minister in landmark first In the past twenty years, the country has had over ten prime ministers. In fact, one expert compares assuming the nation's top job to taking a "cursed cup". However, what is the reason does the country keep changing prime ministers? It's due in part of it being a "one-party democracy", explains Professor James Brown of Temple University in Japan. The LDP's grip on the political landscape means the main political competition originates inside the party, instead of from opposition groups. "So within the LDP there are vicious struggles within different factions - they all desire their own clique to get the top job." "Thus although you could be selected as prime minister, as soon as you're in office, you have dozens of people manoeuvring to try to remove you again." Main Reasons Behind Frequent Changes One-party dominance restricts outside challenges Party infighting fuel leadership contests The prime minister's position is frequently called a "poisoned chalice" Government continuity stays difficult to achieve despite economic strength