Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio has defended his remark that legalizing same-sex marriage would "change society." He said he never meant to say anything negative, and would not rule out debate on the matter.

Kishida was responding to a question from an opposition legislator at a Diet committee meeting on Wednesday about the comment he made last week.

Okamoto Akiko of the opposition Constitutional Democratic Party said the remark had drawn strong criticism, and same-sex couples and others consider it an extremely negative remark. She demanded an apology and retraction.

Kishida responded by saying that the matter is an issue that concerns the foundation of people's lives and impacts all citizens. He said he made the remark in that context.

Regarding legislation for promoting understanding of LGBT, Kishida said his ruling Liberal Democratic Party is considering a bill for the legislation mainly at a special committee.

The prime minister added that he has confirmed preparations will be made for submitting the bill, and he will think about responses as he follows how discussions on the theme will proceed.

On the issue of whether to allow married couples to keep their separate surnames, Kishida said a group of LDP lawmakers is having a debate about it, and public understanding will increase as discussions progress.

He also said he will take these debates seriously when making a judgement.