Ending 2024 with Gratitude! SUNNY SIDE UP GROUP Held Its Year-End All-Hands Party

Hello, this is Sunny-chan!

Time flies, and 2024 is already drawing to a close. This year, SUNNY SIDE UP GROUP has once again succeeded in creating many “Tanoshii Sawagi” (exciting ripples) through various new initiatives and challenges.

Before we share the details of our all-hands year-end party held in December, let’s take a look back at the events of this past year. Please join us for this retrospective!

Key Topics of 2024

▼ Implementation of the “Health Cure DAY” Project (March)

In March, to coincide with International Women’s Day, SUNNY SIDE UP GROUP established “Health Cure DAY.” This initiative encouraged not only female members but all employees to focus on their physical and mental wellness. We promoted the use of paid leave and supported members in undergoing health checkups and consultations at gynecologists and clinics.

Using International Women’s Day as a catalyst, this initiative aims to raise health awareness and ensure members can work in a state of physical and mental fulfillment. It is linked to our “Dear WOMAN” program—one of our “32 Benefits”—and our social actions promoting women’s empowerment.

https://ssug.co.jp/news/2024/03/01/healthcureday/

▼ SUNNY SIDE UP Director Riyu Matsumoto Appointed Vice Chairman of PRSJ (June)

In June, Riyu Matsumoto, Director of SUNNY SIDE UP, was appointed Vice Chairman of the Public Relations Society of Japan (PRSJ). PRSJ was established to promote and disseminate public relations, focusing on sharing industry knowledge and nurturing the next generation of PR professionals.

As a founding member of our company, Matsumoto has accumulated over 40 years of experience in the PR industry. Through this appointment, he will contribute to the further development of the PR industry in Japan while utilizing the “Tanoshii Sawagi” spirit cultivated at our company.

https://ssug.co.jp/news/2024/06/12/matsumoto-prsj-vice-president/

▼ Strategic Partnership Agreement with Mitsubishi Corporation-affiliated Investment Fund “Marunouchi Capital” (March)

In March, the company signed a strategic partnership agreement with Marunouchi Capital, an investment fund affiliated with Mitsubishi Corporation. Through this alliance, we provide PR and brand communication expertise to enhance the brand value of their portfolio companies. This initiative, which has garnered attention both inside and outside the industry, has launched support activities aimed at sustainable growth.

https://ssug.co.jp/news/2024/05/13/partnership-marunouchicapital/

▼ SUNNY SIDE UP GROUP President Etsuko Tsugihara Appointed Vice Chair of the Board of Councillors at Keidanren (May)

In May, Etsuko Tsugihara, President of SUNNY SIDE UP GROUP, was appointed Vice Chair of the Board of Councillors of the Japan Business Federation (Keidanren). This role plays a vital part in Keidanren’s policy-making and decision-making processes, representing a new challenge for Tsugihara, who has long promoted diversity and inclusion in corporate management.

Tsugihara has led initiatives focused on corporate social responsibility and sustainable growth, leveraging her communication expertise developed in the PR industry. In this role, she is expected to not only bring diverse perspectives to Keidanren but also to facilitate transformation across a broader range of companies.

https://ssug.co.jp/news/2024/05/31/keidanren-vice-chairs-of-the-board-of-councillors/

▼ Received Honorable Mention at “PR Awards Asia-Pacific 2024” (June)

Our company received an Honorable Mention in the “Diversity and Inclusion Company of the Year” category at the “PR Awards Asia-Pacific 2024,” the most prestigious awards in the Asia-Pacific advertising and marketing industry. Our projects aimed at achieving diversity and inclusion were highly regarded, further enhancing our presence in the industry.

https://ssug.co.jp/news/2024/06/14/pr-awards-asia-pacific-2024-commendation/

Obtained “B Corp” Certification (July)

In July, we obtained “B Corporation™ (B Corp)” certification. B Corp certification is an international system awarded to companies that meet rigorous standards across all aspects, including social and environmental performance, governance, employees, community, and environment. We are the 42nd company in Japan to receive this certification.

Since its founding, SUNNY SIDE UP GROUP has continued to solve social issues through PR. With this certification, we are further promoting our activities to create “Tanoshii Sawagi” that contributes to the realization of a sustainable society.

https://ssug.co.jp/news/2024/07/12/b-corp-certification-2024/

Published “Impact Report 2024” (September)

In September, SUNNY SIDE UP GROUP celebrated its 40th anniversary and published the “Impact Report 2024.” This report details our 40-year journey of tackling social issues and outlines our vision for the future.

Specifically, it introduces how we have created social impact through communication and presents concrete strategies for the future, demonstrating our commitment to building a sustainable future together with society and our stakeholders. We invite you to take a look.

https://ssug.co.jp/news/2024/09/26/impactreport2024/

Won “Japan/Korea Best Place to Work” at “Agency of the Year 2024” (November)

SUNNY SIDE UP GROUP won “Japan/Korea Best Place to Work” at the “Agency of the Year 2024” hosted by Campaign Asia-Pacific, the largest advertising and marketing media in the Asia-Pacific region. This award is given to companies recognized for providing an excellent working environment and for their creativity in achieving it.

Our company is committed to building a workplace that supports the diverse lifestyles of our members, including unique welfare programs such as “Heartbreak Leave” and “Egg Freezing Subsidies.” These efforts were recognized, establishing us as a company that provides an environment where members from diverse backgrounds can truly be themselves.

https://ssug.co.jp/news/2024/11/29/agency-of-the-year-2024/

SUNNY SIDE UP GROUP Held Its Year-End All-Hands Party!

After creating various forms of “Tanoshii Sawagi” as described above, we reached December.

As the final internal event of 2024, the “SUNNY SIDE UP GROUP Year-End All-Hands Party” was held on the 8th floor of our Sendagaya office!

Today’s MCs were members who, as professional PR practitioners, work daily to communicate the appeal of our clients’ products and services.

Following the MC’s announcement, everyone gathered on the 8th floor. As the end of the year finally arrived, the members’ expressions became focused and composed.

…or so we thought, until the sight of delicious drinks and food brought out smiles.

Before the long-awaited toast, Etsuko Tsugihara, President of SUNNY SIDE UP GROUP, gave her year-end closing remarks!

Many members listened intently as she expressed her gratitude to the group members for their hard work this year and said, “Let’s refresh ourselves and meet again in the new year to create more ‘Tanoshii Sawagi’ together!”

Then, a toast was led by SUNNY SIDE UP Director Matsumoto!

Aside from the kick-off meeting held every July, this year-end party is the event where all group members gather together. It was impressive to see everyone enjoying themselves in their own way with their teams, peers, and seniors.

In this way, all members were able to close out 2024 with the shared sentiment: “Let’s create more ‘Tanoshii Sawagi’ and take on new challenges together next year!”

With Gratitude, Toward a Leap Forward in 2025!

In 2024, we were able to spend a fulfilling year together with everyone involved with SUNNY SIDE UP GROUP. We would like to express our deepest gratitude.

Next year, SUNNY SIDE UP GROUP will finally reach the milestone of its 40th anniversary. In 2025, we will continue to create new value and pursue initiatives that have a positive impact on society. We look forward to your continued support.

We wish you all a wonderful New Year. See you next year!