The Lower House of Japan's Diet has rejected a no-confidence motion against the Cabinet of Prime Minister Kishida Fumio. It was submitted by the largest opposition party in response to a recent political funding scandal involving some factions of the main ruling Liberal Democratic Party.

Lawmakers at the chamber's plenary session discussed the motion on Wednesday afternoon. It was presented by the Constitutional Democratic Party earlier in the day.

CDP President Izumi Kenta addressed the chamber, demanding the Kishida Cabinet resign immediately. He said the money scandal has now engulfed several LDP factions. Izumi said what they have done would be found completely illegal and tantamount to tax evasion if the allegations prove to be true.

Izumi argued that Kishida's Cabinet has no legitimacy. He added if his Cabinet does not resign, the prime minister should dissolve the Lower House and seek the public's mandate in a general election.

The LDP's former Reconstruction Minister Nishime Kosaburo retorted. He said the Kishida Cabinet has been thoroughly committing itself to safeguarding people's lives and properties and maintaining the country's peace amid tough challenges. He said its honest political stance never deserves a motion of no confidence.

The motion was rejected with a majority vote by the LDP and its coalition party Komeito. The opposition, namely the CDP, Nippon Ishin Japan Innovation Party, Japanese Communist Party, Democratic Party for the People, Reiwa Shinsengumi and others, voted in favor.

The LDP's largest faction once led by the late Prime Minister Abe Shinzo and another headed by the party's former Secretary-General Nikai Toshihiro are suspected of underreporting their revenue from fundraising gatherings in their political fund reports.

The factions also allegedly paid kickbacks to members who exceeded their sales quotas of tickets for fundraising events.

The LDP faction that was led by Prime Minister Kishida until recently is also suspected of underreporting its revenue from fundraisers.

Prosecutors in Tokyo are believed to have been investigating the allegations, including money flows.