The suspect told police he had a grudge against the group and originally tried to kill a senior member but failed. He then reportedly targeted the former prime minister because he thought Abe had close ties to the group.

A group of lawyers accuses the religious organization of forcing people to donate money or buy items for high prices, saying these will help followers to avoid misfortune.

The group is called the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification.

It changed its name from the Unification Church in 2015 with approval from the Agency for Cultural Affairs after its activities came under scrutiny in the public eye.

The lawyers say the name change helped the organization gain followers by spreading its beliefs without identifying itself as a religious group. The organization rejects such allegations.

The culture minister says the name change was approved after officials confirmed the application met legal requirements.

Education. Culture. Sports, Science and Technology Minister Suematsu Shinsuke said, "As far as I know at this time, there was no pressure or approach from any politician."

Abe's brother, Defense Minister Kishi Nobuo, says members of the group have helped in campaigning as volunteers.

He said, "They gave us a hand as individual volunteers, not as a group. Whether that was appropriate or not needs to be examined."

Kishi says he has never received donations from the group or taken part in any of its events.