I could support both of the above suggestions as viable options. However you will still be left with several inches of straight trunkline. You could get one of those trunk benders. The wood can still be bent but prob dammaged if done with wire alone.
Also, don't underestimate how frustrating these can be when developing canopy. It's not just leaving a bud.... they can be spiteful.
Another approach would be to layer it much higher up where some branching exist. Additionally, this would still be flexible enough to wire. I understand the desire to preserve the thicker trunk and nebari, but in the long run, honestly, that's the fastest and easiest thing to develop. Good luck, it a nice tree.