Snowflake Unveils the 2026 Data Drivers Awards Winners in APJ Region

On June 3, 2026, Snowflake, the AI data cloud provider based in Tokyo, revealed the recipients of this year's Data Drivers Awards, recognizing outstanding companies from the Asia-Pacific and Japan (APJ) region for their innovative use of data. Among the awarded organizations, CyberAgent, Inc. was honored as the "Japan Data Driver of the Year" for its exemplary data-driven practices. Furthermore, Mitsui Sumitomo Trust Asset Management and Denso Corporation received awards in the AI Innovator and Innovation in Data Analytics categories, respectively, showcasing their achievements across the APJ region.

Understanding the Data Drivers Awards

The Data Drivers Awards is an initiative by Snowflake that honors individuals and organizations leveraging its AI data cloud to create groundbreaking results and challenge established business norms. Through secure data sharing via data clean rooms, native app deployments on the Snowflake Marketplace, and the implementation of AI, these innovative stories aim to transform business productivity and automation. The program recognizes excellence in various categories, including:

- Data Driver of the Year
- AI Innovator
- Innovation in Data Analytics
- Data Collaboration
- Data for Good
- Data Executive of the Year
- Data Hero of the Year

Award Winners 2026

Japan Data Driver of the Year: CyberAgent, Inc.

Based in Shibuya, Tokyo, CyberAgent, Inc. was awarded the prestigious title of "Data Driver of the Year" for embodying the essence of data-driven success. The company has effectively implemented a modern data platform powered by Snowflake, ensuring enhanced operational efficiency and improved customer experience through its AI strategies. CyberAgent's comprehensive integration of Snowflake's tools, such as native applications and functionalities like Slack and Cortex, has led to significant cost reductions while spearheading industry standards for data-driven management.

Award Statement:
Ken Takaoh, Group IT Promotion Headquarters, CyberAgent
"We are deeply honored to receive the Data Driver of the Year award, as it reflects our commitment to data-driven decision-making across multiple sectors of our organization. Our collaboration with Snowflake has fostered a vibrant community for utilizing data, and we will continue to innovate and expand the possibilities of AI in our operations."

AI Innovator: Mitsui Sumitomo Trust Asset Management

Mitsui Sumitomo Trust Asset Management, located in Minato, Tokyo, was recognized as the AI Innovator for its rapid adaptation to AI innovations. The company has successfully transformed its core operations by implementing AI solutions that have dramatically increased productivity. They have integrated advanced AI tools to analyze fund performance effectively and generate investment reports autonomously.

Award Statement:
Mitsuhiro Matsumoto, Executive Officer
"This recognition reinforces our dedication to enhancing our data-driven operations using Snowflake's innovative solutions, leading to substantial business impacts. We appreciate the ongoing support from Snowflake, enabling us to utilize cutting-edge technology in a traditionally conservative industry."

Innovation in Data Analytics: Denso Corporation

Denso, headquartered in Kariya, Aichi, received the Innovation in Data Analytics award for maximizing the value of its data assets through advanced analytical tools. Their use of Snowflake's platform has propelled their data utilization projects and enhanced operational efficiency across multiple global initiatives.

Award Statement:
Mikito Shirokado, Head of IT Digital Division
"We are privileged to receive this esteemed recognition. Our collaborative efforts with Snowflake have empowered us to continuously evolve our data platforms and drive innovation in the automotive sector."

Data Collaboration: Nomura Holdings, Inc.

Nomura Holdings, located in Chiyoda, Tokyo, excelled in the Data Collaboration category, building an enterprise data platform on Snowflake to optimize data sharing across its entire group. This strategic initiative has fostered a culture of data-driven decision-making throughout the organization while ensuring a high level of data governance.

Award Statement:
Mamidipally Sundarkumar, Executive Director
"Winning the Data Collaboration award is a testament to our commitment to fostering a comprehensive platform for data assets across the Nomura Group, thereby enhancing our service offerings."

Data for Good: JMDC Inc.

JMDC was recognized for its efforts in using data for social good. Their database services have significantly enhanced healthcare outcomes by making vast health data accessible and actionable for various stakeholders in the healthcare domain.

Award Statement:
Akihiro Kosako, Head of Development Headquarters
"We are thankful to be acknowledged in the Data for Good category. Our mission is to responsibly leverage data for improved health outcomes and social betterment."

Data Executive of the Year: Fujifilm Holdings Corporation

Fujifilm's Chief Digital Officer, Yoshitaka Sugimoto, was celebrated as Data Executive of the Year for establishing a robust and safe data infrastructure to support their evolving AI strategies and governance model.

Award Statement:
Yoshitaka Sugimoto, CDO
"I am honored to receive this award. Utilizing Snowflake has empowered us to create a data-centric culture, driving significant advancements in productivity and innovation."

Data Hero of the Year: All Nippon Airways (ANA)

Dai Ioka from ANA was awarded the Data Hero of the Year for promoting data and AI usage within the organization, resulting in notable cost savings and improved organizational efficiency.

Award Statement:
Dai Ioka, Data Utilization Team Leader
"This award is the result of our team's collective effort in pioneering data utilization strategies. We aim to continue leveraging data alongside Snowflake to unlock new potentials."

Conclusion

The Snowflake Data Drivers Awards serve as a testament to the innovative ways organizations leverage data to drive business transformation and social impact. Each winner showcases how data, when effectively harnessed, enables organizations to make informed decisions, optimize operations, and contribute positively to society. As Snowflake continues to support these initiatives, more companies across the APJ region can look forward to a future defined by data-driven excellence.