By Mariko Katsumura and Chang-Ran Kim

TOKYO (Reuters) -Japan’s weakened Liberal Democratic Party is set to begin policy talks on Thursday with the Japan Innovation Party (JIP) as Sanae Takaichi, the ruling party’s new leader, woos an ally to help clinch a prime ministerial vote expected next week.

The Nikkei share average rose as prospects appeared to brighten for Takaichi to become Japan’s first woman premier, stoking bets on a revival in big spending and loose monetary policy.

Takaichi’s path to succeed Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba had seemed all but certain until the LDP’s junior partner, Komeito, quit their 26-year coalition last week, setting off a flurry of negotiations with rival parties to select the next premier.

“There were strong views (among party members) that we should w

See Full Page