The second installment of our popular OJT Pair Interview series! This time, we interviewed two members who are famously known within the company as a “perfect pair.” Once again, we asked them to share everything from their first impressions of each other to memories from that time and their goals for the future.

Please enjoy the unique chemistry between these two!

▼ Click here for the previous article:
Looking back on rookie days with a senior! OJT Pair Interview

【What is the OJT System?】

“OJT” is an abbreviation for On the Job Training, a development method where skills are acquired through actual work. At SUNNY SIDE UP, we place great importance on having seniors who are close in age to new recruits work one-on-one to teach practical field knowledge that is difficult to grasp through classroom learning alone. In the world of PR, where methods change significantly depending on the products and information handled in a project, we believe this OJT system is particularly vital.

【Member Introduction】

Public Relations Business Division / Bureau 2 / Department 3 / Group 1: Kazuto Toshinari
Public Relations Business Division / Bureau 2 / Department 3 / Group 2: Daiki Hosoi

Reasons for joining SUNNY SIDE UP

Toshinari: Influenced by my father, who worked at an advertising production company, I had a vague desire to work in the advertising industry after graduating from university. While researching the industry, I discovered the PR field and SUNNY SIDE UP. I felt that SUNNY SIDE UP’s catchphrase, “Let’s Have Fun!”, perfectly matched what I wanted to do, which is why I applied. I also felt that the members of SUNNY SIDE UP weren’t stuck in conventional molds and seemed to be working with great vitality.

Hosoi: I started looking into the advertising industry because I wanted a job that moves people’s hearts. I didn’t know much about the PR industry, but while exploring other sectors to broaden my horizons, I came across SUNNY SIDE UP. Like Mr. Toshinari, I was drawn to the phrase “Let’s Have Fun!” It’s a straightforward expression that conveys a passion for creating interesting things in the world, and I remember thinking “I want to work at this company” the moment I heard it. During the interviews, I was also happy that they saw me as a human being rather than just another student.

Impressions of each other

Toshinari: Tell them that story about my first impression that you always bring up at drinking parties (laughs).

Hosoi: I joined in 2020 during the period when we couldn’t go out due to COVID-19, so for a while after joining, I had only met Mr. Toshinari online. Since I always saw him speaking confidently, I imagined him to be quite physically imposing, but when I actually met him, he was surprisingly short (laughs).

Toshinari: That’s rude! (laughs). When I saw the new graduates during the OJT pair announcement, I had an intuitive feeling that I would be paired with Hosoi, and it turned out to be true. We aren’t really conscious of it ourselves, but people around us often say we are similar.

Hosoi: I joined the company a year later than my peers because I spent time traveling abroad during my student days. So, while Mr. Toshinari is my senior at work, we are actually the same age. There might be others in a similar situation or those whose joining dates differ from others for various reasons, but I want them to feel confident about joining. Regardless of age, the seniors lead the way and are truly respectable figures.

Toshinari: I think Hosoi has grown tremendously during the year I was in charge of his OJT. When I first met him, I had an impression that he was a bit vague (laughs), but now he is a key member of the company who demonstrates his inherent performance and plays an active role.

Hosoi: Thank you! Right after I joined, I worked with Mr. Toshinari on projects for commercial facilities and yoga studios. He taught me everything from scratch—how to make appointments, how to create documents, and how to conduct oneself at interview sites—so I feel I acquired the “basics of a PR professional” over that year. I learned that in everything you do, having the will of “what do I want to do” is vital. Now that I’m often assigned to different projects from Mr. Toshinari, I’d love to work on a project with him again.

Reflecting on the OJT period

Toshinari: Since it was a time when we couldn’t come to the office or go out, I would sometimes connect my phone, computer, and earphones so he could listen to my appointment calls. We proceeded with the OJT while constantly communicating via video calls and chat.

Hosoi: Since Mr. Toshinari and I joined only one year apart, he understood my feelings very well. He would clearly point out mistakes or areas for improvement in my work, but he also provided solid support whenever I was in trouble, which was a huge help. I felt protected, so I could proceed with my work with peace of mind.

Toshinari: At the time, it was my second year and my first time being on the teaching side, so I was teaching through trial and error, remembering myself from a year prior and thinking about how to make things easier for Hosoi. For example, I would share not only my successes but also my failures, and I was careful about how I communicated and phrased things. It’s common sense, but before even thinking about “instruction,” I focused on being mindful of the other person as a human being.

Also, it’s about the balance of the carrot and the stick. Since Hosoi’s growth was the priority, I felt it wasn’t right to praise everything. However, being too strict would stifle his individuality, so I experimented in that sense. I also had regular meetings with other OJT mentors to share effective teaching methods and information.

Hosoi: One thing I remember from Mr. Toshinari’s guidance was being told, “Don’t make the same mistake twice.” He would properly teach me things I didn’t know, but his policy of having me think for myself so I could do things once they were explained was very helpful. If I can’t move without instructions or keep repeating the same mistakes, I won’t be able to grow.

Toshinari: True, I carefully considered whether it was better to teach something immediately or let him think about it. I often asked him, “What do you think?” I personally felt the importance of having a strong will during my first and second years, so I made sure to convey that to Hosoi as well. While OJT styles vary by pair, I think the thoroughness of the guidance is a common thread across all pairs at SUNNY SIDE UP. Please feel confident in joining us!

Future goals

Hosoi: Now I am also on the teaching side as an OJT mentor, but trying to do exactly what Mr. Toshinari did for me doesn’t always work. Teaching methods change depending on the person’s personality, strengths, and weaknesses. While I teach what needs to be taught, I basically try to let them think through everything themselves. And no matter what happens, I make it a point to remain an ally to my OJT trainee. While it’s a process of trial and error, I hope to provide balanced guidance with clear boundaries, just like Mr. Toshinari did.

Regarding projects, I want to constantly challenge myself with new things. I believe SUNNY SIDE UP’s strength lies in the ability to engage with people from various industries and sectors, so I want to continue taking on many new challenges. During my final interview, President Tsugihara told me something to the effect of, “Because we don’t know what this company will be like in 5 or 10 years, let’s build it together.” I myself don’t know where I’ll be in a year, or 5 or 10 years. That’s exactly why I want to become a version of myself I can’t even imagine yet, and I believe SUNNY SIDE UP is a place where that can be realized.

Toshinari: Since I am now in an account management role, I first want to further develop my account management skills. Beyond basic communication, I want to become an account manager who can solve any problem a client might have.

In terms of projects, while I’m interested in all industries, I’d like to do more PR for companies solving social issues such as poverty and environmental problems. To that end, I want to strengthen my individual capabilities so that I can respond to requests from all kinds of clients through my own power. I also want to work hard to pass on the skills I’ve cultivated so far to my juniors.

A message for those considering joining SUNNY SIDE UP

Toshinari: SUNNY SIDE UP is a company where you can realize your visions of “wanting to excite people” or “wanting to do work that moves hearts.” Of course, work isn’t always fun, but the sense of fulfillment outweighs that. Let’s Have Fun together!

Hosoi: SUNNY SIDE UP is a company where people work with high levels of passion. While the members are all unique individuals, they all possess the strength to never give up easily and to see things through to a good result. I believe people who are persistent and have a competitive spirit are well-suited for SUNNY SIDE UP. We look forward to your application!

A shot from when we requested a “duo-style” photo

The harmonious interaction between the two throughout the interview was impressive, and it was clear that they have built their current relationship precisely because of their mutual respect.

Under the OJT system at SUNNY SIDE UP, those who were trainees often move into the role of mentors, so they approach each pairing with a process of trial and error.

Our unique members are waiting for you to join. If you are interested, we look forward to your entry!