Yee and Taylor-Brown, who helped Britain claim mixed team relay gold and earned individual silver medals at last year’s Olympics in Tokyo, enjoyed more success on their return to Japan.

It was a battle between Yee and New Zealand’s Hayden Wilde for top spot in the men’s race.

The pair were level in the second half of the 10 kilometres run before Yee found an extra gear to secure his second Series victory.

Yee clocked a winning time of 1hr 43min 30sec with Wilde having to settle for silver in 1:43:40, and France’s Leo Bergere earning bronze in 1:43:59.

"I am really pleased with the result," said Yee.

"Some things to work on but that’s always positive to take away from the first race of the year.

"The win is amazing.

"Kudos to Hayden, he was lightning on the run.

"I had to summon every ounce of my being to get around at the end."

Taylor-Brown proved too strong for the rest of the field as she powered to victory in a time of 1:51:44.

There was a battle for the other podium spots with France’s Léonie Périault claiming silver in 1:51:50.

Olympic champion Flora Duffy of Bermuda secured bronze in 1:51:55, while France’s Emma Lombardi came fourth in 1:52:03.

"I’d like to say it feels amazing but it’s actually really painful," said Taylor-Brown.

"On the run I went out hard because I thought I’ve got nothing to lose.

"They got back onto me and I just told myself right you’ve got to sit on them now and just empty everything out."