See main article: 1978 Tokyo Indoor. This was the first edition of the event.
Björn Borg won the tournament, beating Brian Teacher in the final, 6–3, 6–4.
Jimmy Connors (second round)
Björn Borg (champion) Vitas Gerulaitis (quarterfinals) Eddie Dibbs (quarterfinals) Harold Solomon (quarterfinals) Sandy Mayer (semifinals)
Ilie Năstase (semifinals) Arthur Ashe (quarterfinals)