The “Mother” of Maetel from Galaxy Express 999 is in the SSU GROUP!? What is the work of SUNNY SIDE UP CAREER, led by Maetel’s mother?
■Is the “Mother of Maetel” in the SSU GROUP?
One autumn afternoon, I overheard a certain rumor in the office.
“Apparently, the ‘mother’ of Maetel from Galaxy Express 999 is within the SUNNY SIDE UP GROUP…”
Galaxy Express 999 is a representative Japanese sci-fi manga created by Leiji Matsumoto.
The story follows the protagonist, Tetsuro Hoshino, as he boards the Galaxy Super Express 999 on a journey toward a planet that grants mechanical bodies. It remains a masterpiece beloved by a wide range of generations.
Maetel is the mysterious, beautiful woman who travels with the protagonist.
Many men (perhaps those in their 40s and older?) were likely captivated by her beauty.
Image source: From the Galaxy Express 999 official website
The mother of that Maetel?
And that person is within the SSU GROUP?
It is a mystery. However, I cannot leave a mystery within the group unsolved.
To fulfill my duty as a PR representative, I attempted an internal investigation.
Tracing the source of the rumor, I discovered that the “Mother of Maetel” is within SUNNY SIDE UP CAREER, the SUNNY SIDE UP GROUP’s human resources service company. I then requested an interview with the President, Ms. Shizuko Hirata.
*SUNNY SIDE UP CAREER: A human resources service company that provides career transition support in the marketing and communications (advertising, PR, web) sectors as a “partner that supports the success of talent and the growth of companies.”
■Directly asking the “Mother of Maetel” about the truth behind the rumor!
With a hand trembling from a mix of nervousness and curiosity, I knocked on the door, and President Shizuko Hirata kindly invited me in.
As soon as she spoke, I asked about the truth of the rumor.
“There is a rumor in the office that you are the ‘Mother of Maetel,’ Ms. Hirata. Is it true?”
“Yes, it is true. During my previous job, I was close with Mr. Leiji Matsumoto, and he approached me saying,
‘I want to create a character modeled after you’ (laughs).
I gladly accepted, and the character that was actually created is in this manga called ‘Drifting Express 000.’
The female protagonist depicted on the cover is the character based on me,
and according to Mr. Leiji Matsumoto, she is set as the mother of Maetel.”
The blonde woman is the “Mother of Maetel”
“I see. So that is how the rumor started that you are Maetel’s mother.
By the way, what is the character’s name?”
“The character’s name is also ‘Shizuko Hirata.'”
What! The character’s name itself was “Shizuko Hirata”!
The mother of Maetel, who traveled to the edge of the universe in Galaxy Express 999, was truly Shizuko Hirata.
She also showed me some old photos. Now that she mentions it, she certainly has the aura of Maetel’s mother. As expected of Mr. Leiji Matsumoto.
■What is the work of SUNNY SIDE UP CAREER, led by the “Mother of Maetel”?
Ms. Shizuko Hirata is also known for having walked through a diverse career,
much like a “journey on the Galaxy Express.”
After graduating from junior college, she joined Fuji Television, where she built a track record using the philosophy of “thinking from the other person’s perspective” as her key to success. Later, she was seconded to Fusosha, where she produced the publication of the mega-hit “Who Moved My Cheese?”, which sold a cumulative 4 million copies. After leaving the company, she established Hirata Works, a company that produces publications, videos, and events, and currently serves as the President of SUNNY SIDE UP CAREER.
Reflecting on her own career, Ms. Hirata says:
“In my case, I have had many experiences where I felt, ‘This current painful experience will lead to a good result in the future.’ So, even when there are painful or sad things, it is good to be able to think positively that they definitely have meaning (from the SUNNY SIDE UP × SUNNY SIDE UP CAREER Presidential Dialogue).”
Members of SUNNY SIDE UP CAREER
Perhaps a life’s career is similar to a train journey.
There are local trains and expresses, and sometimes you transfer to a different line.
And when you are lost regarding your destination, it is reassuring to have someone to consult with.
SUNNY SIDE UP CAREER might be an existence like Maetel for those who are hesitant about changing careers.
After uncovering the truth behind the rumor, that thought suddenly occurred to me.
Author: PR Group O
【Notice of Website Renewal】
The SUNNY SIDE UP CAREER website has been renewed. It has been reborn as a site that is even easier for job seekers to use, so please take a look! https://ssuc.jp/
Twitter: @SSU_CAREER
Facebook: @ssu.career
Instagram: @ssuc_official
