The speaker of the lower chamber of parliament has denied that any religious organization backed his or her election.

Hiroyuki Hosoda, the speaker of Japan's lower house, has denied receiving help from the controversial Unification Church in previous campaigns, but has revealed new encounters with the group, a legislator said on Friday, heightening skepticism over how close he has been to it.

Hosoda stated in a statement made at the end of September that she attended four events held by the religious group and its associated organisations in 201....