TOKYO (Reuters) -Japan's likely next premier Sanae Takaichi is already facing criticism from her ruling party's long-time coalition partner, a rift that could delay or, in an extreme scenario, jeopardise her premiership.

Hardline conservative Takaichi, selected to head the ruling Liberal Democratic Party in a weekend vote, on Tuesday met with the leader of her party's moderate partner Komeito to discuss its concerns about some of her positions.