Ryo Ishikawa made a solid start in his bid to win his second straight event, shooting a 2-under 70 to tie for eighth after the first round of the ANA Open on Thursday.
Money leader Ishikawa, who turns 19 on Friday, mixed five birdies with three bogeys at Sapporo Golf Club.
Hiroo Kawai, a winless 38-year-old, shot a 67 to take a one-stroke lead over 2008 champion Azuma Yano.
Kawai carded an eagle, four birdies and a bogey.
Kiradech Aphibarnrat of Thailand, Paul Sheehan of Australia, Tatsunori Nukaga, Frankie Minoza of the Philippines and amateur Kazuo Sato were tied for third, two shots behind.
Shunsuke Sonoda, who lost to Ishikawa on the fourth playoff hole at the Fujisankei Classic two weeks ago, got off to a slow start with a 73.