Seventh-seeded Wawrinka converted five of seven break point opportunities in the match that lasted 1 hour, 33 minutes at Ariake Colosseum.
Germany's Simon Greul defeated Martin Vassallo Arguello of Argentina 4-6, 6-4, 6-2. He is appearing in Tokyo for the first time since 2006, when he made a first round exit to Takao Suzuki.
Greul will face Wawrinka in the second round.
Top-ranked Roger Federer pulled out of the $1.2 million event, citing fatigue, along with third-ranked Andy Murray of Britain who withdrew because of a wrist injury.
Fifth-ranked Juan Martin del Potro, the U.S. Open champion, is top-seeded in the singles draw and will play his first match on Tuesday against qualifier Edouard Roger-Vasselin of France. Tomas Berdych of the Czech Republic is the defending champion.
Naka ready for tough scheduleGonzalez, Monfils advance at Malaysian Open
