Introducing the “SUNNY Library” Program and Recommended Books!
Hello! I’m Y from the PR department.
This is part of a series introducing SUNNY SIDE UP’s unique programs, “32 Benefits.”
Today, I’d like to introduce one of my favorite programs—the “SUNNY Library” program, which allows us to read many books!
“SUNNY SIDE UP Library” System
“To abandon reading is to commit suicide,” by Doppo Kunikida. A program that supports employees’ book expenses for continuous learning and daily input. Books related to work and trending titles are shared with everyone, along with a brief comment from the purchaser.
As a book lover, I buy books personally, but I’m honestly curious about what other employees are reading. At SUNNY SIDE UP, employees can share the books they purchase, which helps save on book expenses and allows me to efficiently gather good information while saving time on researching which books might be useful!
(When I lose concentration, I may or may not secretly take a break from work and spend time in front of the bookshelf.)
Since we have this opportunity, I’d like to introduce some recommended books (basics edition) from those purchased through this program for people involved in or interested in the PR industry! Several employees helped with the photography!
“77 Writing Techniques to Capture Hearts in an Instant”
Fumiaki Takahashi (Author)
Takahashi Shoten (October 29, 2013)
Nicknamed “The Investigator.” In my second year!
This book presents immediately applicable content on how to write titles and headlines, lead sentences, and long-form text in an easy-to-read and well-organized manner. Since we write “press releases” for various companies daily, books like this that explain how to write catchy titles, engaging lead sentences, and concise body text are immediately useful. While it serves as a foundational resource, it also helps you logically understand what you’re already doing, so you can review your established methods.
Recently, I’ve had opportunities to revise press releases written by various people, and I’ve noticed that many struggle to write catchy titles. Reading this book should provide hints on how to write catchy titles and create materials that attract attention!
It’s packed with tips on the newspaper-style approach of “putting the most important information first.”
On the other hand, if you want to learn long-form writing techniques like professional writers use, this may not be practical.
Personally, I like books by Hisashi Inoue on writing techniques. I thought Haruki Murakami’s translation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” was excellent writing. Yukio Mishima’s “Letter Kyoshitsu” is also a must-read. Once I start talking about these, I can’t stop.
“Start with Your Mission”
Yuta Namiki
Discover Twenty One (March 26, 2012)
From Kyoto, in my sixth year. A hard worker loved by many employees.
A friend working at an advertising agency personally recommended this book to me, and we have it in the office too! The main character is a woman in her 20s who doesn’t understand the difficult jargon related to marketing and planning, and the content progresses from her perspective. It explains things carefully, making it easy to organize your thoughts when reviewing the structure and approach of a proposal you’ve created—extremely helpful. It’s incredibly user-friendly! A must-read when creating proposals.
“An Easy Way to Live Without Being Trapped”
Toho Shuppan (March 11, 2014)
A cute woman in her third year! A gutsy media professional.
This one is somewhat conceptual. It’s easy to read, so I recommend it for first-year professionals and students as well. It introduces advice on generating ideas that aren’t “trapped” by preconceptions, along with case studies. I particularly liked the Baskin-Robbins case. In an era when Japanese people didn’t eat ice cream in winter, why did someone propose selling popular American ice cream in Japan? Was there a chance of success? The author Kaz Fujita’s personality comes through, making you want to hear more from him.
“The Power to Give Up: It’s Not That You’re Not Trying Hard Enough”
Dai Tamesue (Author)
President Inc. (May 30, 2013)
The HR and General Affairs big brother on a diet. He knows many great restaurants.
A book by Dai Tamesue. When I worked with Tamesue-san, he was kind and friendly to our employees—a truly wonderful athlete. Even if you don’t know his charm, I recommend this book. The writing analyzes and examines various experiences, expressing them both logically and emotionally, which I found very appealing. The persuasiveness comes from Tamesue-san, who has made incomparable efforts and continued to challenge himself far beyond my own efforts! Regardless of your job or age, I highly recommend this book to everyone!
“Work Is Determined by Appearance! Presence Management Taught by a Coaching Professional”
Yoshiyuki Suzuki (Author)
Nikkei BP (July 24, 2003)
Our company’s handsome guy. He’s smiling awkwardly because he feels pressure holding a book on “Presence Management”…
How can you intentionally change your appearance? Apparently, your impression changes based on jaw position, eye contact, and distance from others. This is especially important for PR professionals, as we speak with many media and corporate contacts. A memorable book my supervisor gave me when I was new. I think it would also be helpful for students preparing for job hunting! I occasionally review it and reflect on myself.
“Yamami-Style PR Method: 5 Angles That Make Media Want to Cover You”
Hiroyasu Yamami (Author)
Shoeisha (September 5, 2006)
“How to Create PR Stories That Get Covered by Newspapers, TV, Magazines, and the Web”
Hiroyasu Yamami (Author)
Japan Management Association Management Center (February 25, 2010)
Finance and accounting staff with a very laid-back speaking style and mysterious charm
Our company naturally has many industry-related books, but we have a lot by Yamami-san. Some explain PR basics, others include media contact information, and they cover the necessary knowledge fairly comprehensively and practically. There are advanced techniques and different approaches, but as a basics edition, I recommend these for people who want to learn about PR.
Unrelated to the “SUNNY Library” program, a book I recently read and personally recommend is
“Give Up Trying to Move People with Advertising and Media.”
I highly recommend this to anyone involved in communication work! It introduces extensive data and case studies, analyzing and explaining the latest trends in an easy-to-understand way.
(It even included a case study we handled.)
Work is busy, but I want to read books, drink, and travel—there’s not enough time. Which means every day is fulfilling.
SUNNY SIDE UP has also published books, so I’ll introduce our company-related books another time!
