đź”— Share this article Japan set to choose woman prime minister in landmark first Over the last two decades, the country has seen more than 10 leaders. In fact, one expert compares assuming the nation's highest office to drinking from a "poisoned chalice". But why does Japan keep changing prime ministers? This is partly because of it being a "single-party system", explains Professor James Brown of Temple University Japan. The LDP's grip on the political landscape means the primary rivalry originates inside the party, rather than from opposition groups. "So within the LDP there are intense conflicts within various groups - they all want their own faction to secure the top job." "Thus although you could be chosen as prime minister, the moment you're in office, you have dozens of people scheming to try to get you out again." Key Factors Behind Frequent Changes One-party dominance limits outside challenges Internal factional rivalries drive leadership contests The leadership role is often described as a "cursed position" Political stability stays elusive despite financial power