KYOTO, Feb 05 (News On Japan) - In the Kyoto mayoral election, characterized by a fierce competition among five newcomers, former House of Councillors member Koichi Matsui has emerged victorious in his first attempt. Matsui, an independent candidate endorsed by the Liberal Democratic Party, Komeito, the Constitutional Democratic Party, and the Democratic Party for the People, expressed his gratitude for the challenging electoral battle. "It was a tough campaign. I am deeply grateful for the victory, but I also feel the heavy responsibility it entails," Matsui said.

This victory marks Matsui's initial foray into the mayoral position of Kyoto, secured with the backing of major political parties. His closest rival, Kazuhito Fukuyama, also put up a strong fight but fell short by a margin of 16,000 votes.

Fukuyama, supported by the Japanese Communist Party, reflected on the close race, suggesting, "Given how close we came, this can also be seen as a victory for the citizens."

The voter turnout was 41.67%, a slight increase of 0.96 percentage points from the previous election, indicating a heightened interest in this year's mayoral race among Kyoto residents.

Source: TBS