Japanese player Akie Iwai shot a nine-under 63 on Thursday to take a one-shot lead into the second round.

Three other Japanese players – Nasa Hataoka, Yuna Nishimura and Mone Inami – were a stroke back after rounds of 64 at the Taiheiyo Club in north central Japan.

Defending champion Gemma Dryburgh, of Scotland, was four back after carding a 67.

Green, who won the LPGA tournament in Los Angeles in April, had a mixed round on Thursday. Her five birdies and three bogeys left her at two-under 70, in a tie for 46th place, seven shots behind the leader.

Fellow Aussie Kemp was a model of consistency, her one-under round featuring two birdies and just one bogey, putting her in a tie for 61st, eight shots behind Iwai.

Sarah Kemp in eight shots adrift in on the LPGA Tour in Japan. PHOTO: Getty Images.

Dryburgh's victory last year was her first on the LPGA Tour. She also received a special prize – a toilet – from the Japanese sponsor Toto, which makes bathroom appliances and fixtures.

"Hoping for another one of these to add to the collection!" she said on Instagram while posing on Tuesday with the sponsor's products.

Dryburgh said the victory a year ago changed her career.

"I know I can compete out here and win also," she said.

"Competing under that pressure, seeing the shots that you can do under that pressure as well, it gives you a lot of confidence."