TOKYO: A widening controversy that involves dozens of members of the ruling party led the Japanese economy minister to resign Monday over ties to the Unification Church.

Kishida on Tuesday appointed former Health Minister Shigeyuki Goto to take Yamagiwa’s place as the economy minister.

Following the assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in July, Yamagiwa's resignation is the latest blow to Kishida government's close ties to the South Korean church.

Yamagiwa faced opposition lawmakers’ growing demands for his resignation after he repeatedly said he did not remember his past attendance at church meetings during overseas trips and posing for group photos with church leader Hak Ja Han Moon and other executives.

Known for being "highly capable of explaining" and passionate about economic and social reforms, Kishida called Goto a veteran politician with a "passion" for the issues he addresses.

The Kishida government’s support ratings have nosedived over his handling of the scandal and for holding a highly unusual state funeral for Abe, one of Japan’s most divisive leaders who is now seen as a key link between the governing Liberal Democratic Party and the church.

Abe sent a video message in 2021 praising Hak Ja Han Moon at a meeting of the church affiliate the Universal Peace Federation.

Since the 1980s, the church has faced accusations of devious business and recruitment tactics, including brainwashing members into turning over huge portions of their salaries to it.

Media surveys show many Japanese want a clearer explanation of how the church may have influenced party policies

Kishida said he accepted Yamagiwa’s resignation because “as prime minister, I have to prioritize our work to push forward economic measures, an extra budget and support for victims of the church problems.”

Yamagiwa, who was criticized for clinging to his post and stalling parliamentary sessions because of questioning by opposition lawmakers, was seen as having been forced to quit. He said he has no intention of resigning as a lawmaker because he did not break any law.

During an outdoor campaign speech in July, former Prime Minister Abe was shot and killed. He claimed Abe's link to a religious group he hated led him to kill him, Tetsuya Yamagami told police. The suspect, Tetsuya Yamagami, told police he killed Abe because he hated a religious group he belonged to.

Many critics consider the church to be a cult because of problems with followers and their families, including financial and mental hardships.