Andy Murray returned to action with a comfortable win over Taro Daniel to give holders Britain an early lead against Japan in the Davis Cup.
Murray, playing for the first time since becoming a father last month, beat the world number 87 6-1 6-3 6-1.
Victory in the best-of-five tie in Birmingham will secure a quarter-final place and World Group status in 2017.
British number three Dan Evans plays world number six Kei Nishikori in Friday's second singles match.
The home side are defending the title they regained for the first time in 79 years with victory against Belgium last November.