Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi said Tuesday that he needs to review his relationship with the Unification Church given the spotlight shone on the group following the assassination of his elder brother and former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
Kishi had revealed he had received help in past elections from members of the church, formally known as the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, but he denied receiving organizational support.
"In light of the social issues that have surfaced, I need to thoroughly review the ties I've had until now," the ruling Liberal Democratic Party lawmaker said at a news conference.