Fresh off some excellent performances for the Internationals at the recent Presidents Cup thriller against the victorious USA side, the Australian carded a four-under 67 in Yokohama on Thursday.
The flamboyant 28-year-old had six birdies, including five in a sizzling front nine, offset by two bogeys, to hold a share of 12th place after carding a 67.
Lee is four shots behind a player quickly becoming his nemesis, in-form American Jacob Bridgeman, who also had five birdies on the front nine on his way to a bogey-free eight-under 63.
The Australian, nicknamed The Chef for being able to cook up some outrageous shots, is painfully aware of the danger presented by the 26-year-old American.
At the Presidents Cup in Illinois in September, Bridgeman was named as a captain's pick by USA mentor Brandt Snedeker and played a crucial role in the team's comeback victory over the Internationals.
During the final day's singles matches, Bridgeman beat Lee 1-up on the 18th hole to clinch the winning point and secure the 17-13 victory for Team USA.
It has been an incredible year for Bridgeman, who also won twice on the US PGA Tour - at the Genesis Invitational in February, and the Biltmore Championship in September, when he fired a 10-under 61 in the final round to claim victory.
In Yokohama on Thursday, Bridgeman's 63 gave him a one-shot lead over Englishman Jordan Smith, who was also bogey-free in his seven-under 64.
Australia's other entrant, veteran Adam Scott, is also right in the mix, sharing 26th place after a two-under-par 69 on Thursday.
The 46-year-old, who also represented the Internationals at the Presidents Cup, had four birdies and two bogeys in his opening round.
The Baycurrent Classic, formerly known as the Zozo Championship, is co-sanctioned by the PGA Tour and the Japan Golf Tour.
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