Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio has made clear he will decide during the current Diet session how to punish lawmakers involved in the fundraising scandal that has shaken the main ruling Liberal Democratic Party.

Kishida was responding to a question by an opposition lawmaker at the Upper House Budget Committee session on Monday.

Fukuyama Tetsuro, former secretary-general of the largest opposition Constitutional Democratic Party, criticized the LDP, saying party faction executives had failed to explain the unrecorded flow of funds within their groups.

Fukuyama said those who were questioned at political ethics panel meetings only said they had no knowledge or that their secretaries or offices were in charge.

Noting discrepancies in their statements, Fukuyama asked Kishida when he plans to punish those involved.

Kishida said his party will have to determine political responsibility after confirming their explanations. He said he hopes to reach a conclusion at an early date, even though a large number of people are involved.

The prime minister said he is considering making decisions during the current Diet session.

Fukuyama went on to ask if Kishida will dissolve the Lower House before punishment is given. He said leaving the issue unsettled in that way would be a betrayal of the people.

In response, Kishida said he is not considering a Diet dissolution at all at this time.

He said he will devote himself to clarifying political responsibility to restore trust in the party, and to enacting legislation to prevent a recurrence during the current session. He said that is what he is aiming for.

Fukuyama also asked about another scandal over a gathering of junior party lawmakers held last November at a city in the western prefecture of Wakayama.

Female dancers in revealing costumes were invited to the event. Some participants reportedly gave tips to the women mouth-to-mouth. The top two officials of the LDP's Youth Division have resigned for failing to stop what they called an inappropriate event.

Fukuyama asked how the two officials and other members will be punished.

Kishida said officials of the headquarters in charge of the youth division are questioning those involved and the Wakayama prefectural chapter.

Kishida said the party's decisions will be made after the facts have been confirmed.