The religious group formerly known as the Unification Church has responded to questions from Japan's education and culture ministry.

The ministry last month asked the group to report on its management, accounting and assets. The ministry exercised the government's authority for the first time to ask questions based on the Religious Corporations Act.

On Thursday, the group sent out its response, including requested materials.

Sources say the ministry plans to ask additional questions after studying the content. Ministry officials are expected to ask about civil court rulings recognizing illegal acts by the group and its followers, as well as complaints reported to the government.

The group, now called the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, said it responded as far as possible within the time limit in good faith.

The group said it expects to receive more questions based on the submitted materials and will answer them sincerely.