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Matsuyama made history last season when he become the first
Japanese man to win a major championship with a one-shot Masters
victory over Will Zalatoris at Augusta National in April.
But the world number 19 has struggled this season, securing only
one top-10 finish in the three tournaments he has played on the
PGA Tour.
"Honestly, I was not really in contention in the last season. I
could win at the Masters, which I really wanted to win but
overall, I was not consistent, Matsuyama told reporters.
"I was not consistent at two events in Las Vegas (this season)
so hopefully playing well this week could be my momentum to get
going.
"Ball striking, putting, chipping, all of these have not reached
the level I want. I will be struggling this week but I am here
in Japan so I am motivated to be in contention."
Matsuyama finished runner-up to veteran Tigers Woods in the 2019
edition of the Zozo Championship.
He will be joined by two-time major winner Collin Morikawa and
Olympic champion Xander Schauffele at this year's event, which
tees off on Thursday.
The $9.95 million tournament returns to Japan at the Accordia
Golf Narashino Country Club after the 2020 edition was moved to
California due to COVID-19 restrictions.
(Reporting by Manasi Pathak in Bengaluru; Editing by Christian
Radnedge)
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