Japan Defense Minister Kihara Minoru says the ministry will investigate a group visit by Japan Self-Defense Force personnel to Yasukuni Shrine earlier this week, and take appropriate measures if needed.

Vice Chief of Staff of the Ground Self-Defense Force Kobayashi Hiroki and several dozen members of the GSDF, including senior officials, on Tuesday visited the shrine in Tokyo that honors Japan's war dead.

Kobayashi and others took time off for the visit and traveled from the Defense Ministry to the shrine using official vehicles.

Kihara told reporters on Friday that JSDF personnel are guaranteed freedom of religion as Japanese citizens. He said he believes there would be no problem with the visits as long as they pay the visits as private individuals.

He added, however, that the Constitution stipulates that the state and its organizations should refrain from any religious activity. He said JSDF personnel should avoid acts that could invite misunderstanding.

Kihara also referred to a ministry notice that bans JSDF personnel from visiting religious facilities as a unit or an organization.

He said it must be checked whether their visits are considered as a violation of this rule. He added that the matter will be strictly handled based on the result.