By Kevin Buckland TOKYO (Reuters) -The yen weakened on Monday as Sanae Takaichi, an advocate of fiscal and monetary stimulus, appeared all but certain to become Japan's next prime minister after reportedly securing crucial political backing for the top job. The safe-haven currency was also hit by an improvement in risk appetite after trade tensions between Beijing and Washington calmed somewhat, and worries about U.S. regional banks also eased. The risk-sensitive Aussie dollar advanced, although traders will keep a close eye on China's latest reading of gross domestic product at 0200 GMT, Australia's top trading partner. Investors returned to the so-called "Takaichi trade" – bullish equities and bearish the yen – after Kyodo reported that the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and Japan Innov

See Full Page