Kapur, four-under through 16 holes after starting from the 10th dropped a late bogey on 17th and finished at 68 at the par-71 at the Chiba Country Club.
He was the best placed Indians.
The next best Indian was Rahil Gangjee, who has been steady right from the start of the year. Gangjee was two-under with five birdies against three bogeys and he was placed T-13.
After enjoying marital bliss in early April, Shiv Kapur of India fired 68 to trail the leader by three shots in the 150 million Yen (approx. US$1.27 million) event sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Japan Golf Tour.
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"I played pretty solid. I made only one bogey from one bad swing. I was in between clubs and the wind was gusting. Other than that, I played solid and hit a lot of fairways and greens," said Kapur.
He added, "I like this golf course, it suits my eye. I grew up on tree-lined golf courses so I feel comfortable when I stand on the tee. I've had a month off and had some rest in the system but it is always nice to get it out of the way."
Talking of his marriage, he said, "I got married early this month so that's why I've been away from golf. The marriage and honeymoon was obviously important. I only did some practice last week to prepare for this week. I had quite a big break so the body and mind are quite fresh.
Meanwhile, Jason Knutzon of the United States overcame a hip injury to shoot a five-under-par 66 and trail first round leader Ryutaro Nagano of Japan by one shot.
Knutzon, a two-time Asian Tour winner but not since 2007, produced a flawless round which was matched by Nagano, who continued his fine form, after posting a third place result in Japan last week.