11 Nov 2025
The nation on course to elect female prime minister in historic first
Over the last two decades, Japan has seen over ten prime ministers.
In fact, one expert compares taking up the nation's top job to drinking from a "poisoned chalice".
However, what is the reason does Japan keep changing prime ministers? It's due in part of it being a "one-party democracy", explains Prof James Brown of Temple University in Japan.
The LDP's grip on the political landscape means the main political competition originates within the party, instead of from external parties.
"So within the LDP there are intense conflicts within different factions - they all want their own clique to secure the leadership position."
"So even though you could be selected as prime minister, the moment you're in power, you have dozens of people scheming to try to remove you again."
Key Factors Behind Rapid Turnover
- Single-party rule restricts external competition
- Party infighting fuel leadership contests
- The leadership role is often described as a "cursed position"
- Government continuity stays difficult to achieve despite economic strength
