Jacob Fearnley defeated former world number four Kei Nishikori 6-3 6-3 on his Davis Cup debut to level the first round of England with Japan.
The 23 -year -old player, who defeated Nick Kyrgios at the Australian Open earlier this month, has risen to 77 in the world ranking from 646 over the past 12 months.
British number three continued his increase against Nishikori to equalize qualifications on 1-1, following the victory of Yoshihito Nishioka 7-5 6-1 against Billy Harris at Miki.
The tie will be decided on Saturday, when Fearnley faces Nishioka and Nishikori facing Harris in the opposite of a single match Friday.
British duo Neal Skupski and Joe Salisbury played Yosuke Watanuki and Takeru Yuzuki in double.
Jack Draper number one England withdrew from the tie to continue the rehabilitation of hip injuries.
Cameron Norrie, number two Britain, withdrew with disease and his successor, Jan Choinski, also withdrew.
