In the Upper House session of the Japanese Diet on Friday, opposition lawmakers grilled Prime Minister Kishida Fumio about his Liberal Democratic Party members' ties to a religious group previously known as the Unification Church.

Koike Akira of the Japanese Communist Party said many lawmakers attended the group's gatherings or sent congratulatory telegrams.

He accused such LDP lawmakers of effectively serving as the group's advertisers and making many people victims of its dubious marketing practice known as spiritual sales. He asked Kishida his thoughts on their responsibility.

Kishida replied that he takes seriously the criticism that many LDP members had connections with the group and helped enhance its credibility.

He said Cabinet ministers and other LDP members will look into and publicly explain their past ties with the group and ensure they will no longer have any contact with it.

He added the party will order its members to abide by this policy and set up a system to ensure it is followed.

Ishigaki Noriko of the Constitutional Democratic Party asked about Economic Revitalization Minister Yamagiwa Daishiro, who is under fire for not initially making clear his connection to the group. She said the minister also failed to properly declare his stock holdings.

Also referring to media reports that Internal Affairs and Communications Minister Terada Minoru misused his political funds, Ishigaki criticized Kishida for appointing these ministers.

Kishida said public trust is indispensable for politicians, and they must behave so as not to invite suspicion.

He also said Cabinet ministers have to be held accountable for what they did and give convincing explanations. The prime minister added he is aware the Cabinet is under constant public scrutiny.