tomoko kamata reports. >> reporter: even before lawmakers and some party members filed thursday, it was clear renho was the favorite set to revitalize the party. she has been asking sense 2015 and during the run-up to this vote, she enjoyed a wide margin. >> translator: we will build a strong party that can challenge the current administration that is enjoying popularity. let's build our party together to one voters want to choose. we should accomplish this by not just criticism but through presenting constructive and creative policy for the country. >> reporter: renho doesn't fit the mold of other japanese lawmakers. she turns to politics after working as a model and a news anchor. and her half taiwanese background sparked fear debate over her citizenship status. but she has already taken on a high profile portfolio. when the former party of the d.p., the democratic party of japan became the ruling party in 2009. she attracted a lot of attendance as she spearheaded the -- >> translator: what is the reason you want to be world number one? isn't second place good enough? >> reporter: but

. >> for more insight on the meeting we're being joined by tomoko kamata. what are you seeing in the negotiations on the northern territories? >> well, we don't have the details of the summit yet, but putin gave positive signals on a potential deal ahead of the meeting. he told the media outlet bloomberg that he would like to find a solution. he said a compromise could be possible if russia reaches a high level of trust with japan. he said it wouldn't be an exchange or sale, but a solution where neither party would feel like a loser. abe and putin agreed in 2013 to look at resolving the issue. a senior japanese government official says this time the agenda will be addressed in a positive and candid way. though some on the japanese side say it could still take more dialogue to come to an agreement. >> another likely topic, of course, is the ongoing talks over the peace treaty. >> that's right. finally getting one signed has been a political goal for abe. he says it's extraordinary that two countries don't have one more than 70 years after the end of the war.

nhk world's tomoko kamata gave us insights into the meeting. >> after we heard from the comments from both sides, abe and putin were able to go in depth. apart from confirming their next two meetings, nothing concrete was decided. but it seems this meeting is adding to the positive momentum. this week, putin gave signals on the potential deal of the territorial issue. he told the media outlet bloomberg that he would like to find a solution. he said a compromise could be possible if russia reaches a high level of trust with japan. abe agrees, saying building such trust is the only way forward. he spoke about their upcoming meeting in his hometown. he explained he wants it to take place in a quiet and calm atmosphere. the fact they've confirmed this meeting is a step forward for abe. we believe they also discussed strengthening business ties, and that's important to both sides. for russia, it could help revive their flagging economy. various countries are still imposing sanctions over its annexation of crimea, and it's been hurting. for japan, offering economic incentives could be a goo