Anticipation is growing that Sanae Takaichi will become Japan's first female premier, with the backing of the right-wing opposition Japan Innovation Party, known as Ishin, pushing stocks in Tokyo to a record high.

Ishin lawmakers are set to meet later on Monday to discuss forming a coalition with the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), followed by talks between Takaichi and Ishin leaders Fumitake Fujita and Osaka Governor Hirofumi Yoshimura, where the alliance is expected to be finalised.

"The relationship of trust is deepening substantially, and I believe that's what the other party is thinking," Fujita said on Sunday.

Japan's blue-chip Nikkei share index jumped more than two per cent in early trading.

A co-operation agreement would deliver a combined 231 seats in parliament's domi

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