In a first local test for the newly formed Osaka Ishin no Kai national political party, a mayoral candidate in Kyoto on Tuesday won the support of Kyoto Ishin no Kai, a small group that aims to secure the backing of Osaka Ishin.

The Feb. 7 mayoral election pits incumbent Daisaku Kadokawa, 65, against three other candidates, including Shoei Murayama, 37, who heads the small Kyoto Party. Kyoto Ishin and the Kyoto Party control five seats in the 67-seat city assembly.

Kadokawa, who is seeking a third term, is supported by the Liberal Democratic Party and is expected to soon be endorsed by Komeito and the Democratic Party of Japan. Together, the three parties hold a slim majority in the municipal chamber.