Hiroshi Kikuchi of Works Applications, Inc. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Osamu Hata; hereinafter “WAP”) has been awarded the the “Microsoft Top Partner Engineer Award 2026” in the Cloud & AI Platforms category. This marks Mr. Kikuchi’s third consecutive year receiving the award, following his wins in 2024 and 2025.

　This award recognizes outstanding engineers from Microsoft Japan’s partner companies in three categories—Cloud & AI Platforms, Security, and AI Business Solutions—based on project achievements, innovation, and efforts to promote technology both within and outside their organizations.

　On this occasion, Mr. Kikuchi of our company led the planning, design, and development*1 of AI features utilizing Microsoft Foundry and a declarative agent that integrates with Microsoft 365 Copilot for WAP’s cloud ERP “HUE.” These features are provided as standard functions of HUE and have already been deployed to more than 10 companies.In addition to these achievements, our comprehensive efforts to promote Microsoft-related technologies both within and outside the company were recognized, leading to this award.

　WAP will continue to collaborate with Microsoft Japan to promote the field-driven adoption of generative AI, contributing to business innovation and productivity improvements for Japanese companies.

<Comment from Satoshi Asano, Executive Officer, Managing Director, Head of Partner Business and Head of Enterprise Services Division, Microsoft Japan Co., Ltd.>

　We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for your tremendous efforts in collaborating with Microsoft Japan on a daily basis. We are delighted to present the Microsoft Top Partner Engineer Award 2026 to Mr. Hiroshi Kikuchi in recognition of his achievements.
　The Microsoft Top Partner Engineer Award is a highly significant award for our company, recognizing individuals who, based on their deep expertise in Microsoft technologies, have made broad contributions to delivering value to customers and driving business growth.
　Mr. Hiroshi Kikuchi has made significant contributions to the adoption of Microsoft technologies and the realization of our customers’ digital transformation by leveraging his extensive knowledge and experience. We sincerely congratulate him on this award and look forward to his continued success in the future.
　Microsoft Japan will continue to support our customers’ transformation and growth through collaboration with Works Applications Co., Ltd. and Mr. Hiroshi Kikuchi.

*1: For details on the AI features powered by “HUE,” please refer to the press release dated February 5, 2026.