Michael Olunga scored for Kashiwa Reysol in his final match before joining the Harambee Stars squad in France.
It was a vital win for Kashiwa Reysol against FC Gifu in the Japanese second-tier at the Sankyo Frontier Kashiwa Stadium.
Kashiwa Reysol are fifth on the log but could drop to sixth should Kyoto Sanga manage a win over Tokyo Verdy in their respective match.
They will next face Ehime on June 9 without their top scorer, Olunga, who is set to represent Kenya in the 32nd edition of the Africa Cup of Nations.