Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio suggested he will dissolve the Lower House and call a general election "at an appropriate time".

He made the comment during an NHK debate program on Sunday.

Kishida's Cabinet has a low approval rating following a series of ministerial resignations and revelations of lawmakers' ties to the religious group widely known as the Unification Church.

Kishida said those problems have reminded him of the importance of trust in politics.

The prime minister expressed his intention to tackle a range of issues related to energy, national defense and the economy. He also stressed the need to improve Japan's low birthrate.

Japan holds the presidency of the Group of Seven nations this year, and will chair a summit in Hiroshima in May.

On Monday, Kishida will depart for a tour of five G7 countries: France, Italy, Britain, Canada and the United States.

He is expected to assure his fellow leaders that Japan will play a key role to address challenges such as Russia's invasion of Ukraine.