Three Peers with Different Reasons for Joining Discuss Being “Both Allies and Rivals”! | Why I Joined SUNNY SIDE UP Vol. 5

May has arrived in the blink of an eye again this year…!

Every day, I watch with a smile as the members who joined as new graduates in April settle into the office, their teamwork as peers growing even stronger.

Having seen many instances where communication between members who started their professional lives at the same time translates into better work, I felt compelled to interview them! As part of our new graduate recruitment series, we held a roundtable discussion with Kitai, Sato, and Toda, who are now entering their third year with the company. These three close-knit peers shared their journey leading up to joining the company and the nature of their relationship as colleagues.

【Member Introduction】

Public Relations Business Division, Department 4: Retsu Sato
Public Relations Business Division, Department 1: Ryosuke Toda
Public Relations Business Division, Department 3 (Sports): Kento Kitai

What sparked my interest in the PR industry and why I joined the company

Toda: During my university years, I participated in a project to brew beer and experienced the process of making things. Wanting to help spread the word about such interesting projects was what first sparked my interest in the PR industry. Among various PR firms, I was drawn to SUNNY SIDE UP because of its wide range of projects and the many unique individuals who work here.

Kitai: When I was managing events during an internship at a sports brand, a visitor told me they had a great time. That experience made me want a job where I could create moments that move people’s hearts. Around that time, I happened to hear about SUNNY SIDE UP from a fellow intern and thought, “This is the place!”

Sato: My interest in the PR industry began when I saw a PR advertisement for a certain company while taking advertising classes at university. Later, when I was job hunting, I consulted the head coach of the badminton club I belonged to, and he suggested, “Why don’t you look into SUNNY SIDE UP?” It turns out that the coach was actually Mr. Morita, the head of Department 2. After that, I participated in information sessions and internships, and joined the company because I wanted to work with the people here.

Current Work Responsibilities

Toda: I handle many projects related to commercial facilities and hotels. I also work on projects involving universities, cafes, alcohol, and soccer. Since I’ve played soccer for a long time, I’m happy to be involved in a genre I love. I feel glad to have joined this company when products or initiatives that weren’t well-known start gaining recognition through my involvement.

Kitai: In addition to PR for restaurants, medical-related fields, sports brands, and music events, I am also involved in “SDGs MAGAZINE,” which is operated by SUNNY SIDE UP. I also love sports and wanted to be involved with sports brands, so my goals are being realized. I feel a sense of accomplishment when the projects we work on appear in magazines or on television.

Sato: During my first year, I was in the same department as Toda, handling projects for hotels, restaurants, and local governments. Now I’ve moved to a different department where I handle PR for venture companies and general merchandise. When I hear that my work has been well-received by clients or see it becoming a hot topic on social media, I truly feel that I am achieving what I set out to do.

How the peers became close

Toda: Those of us who worked as interns, including the three of us, had interacted since before joining the company. Since it was before the pandemic, we were able to talk during breaks and go out for drinks after work, so I think we became close naturally.

Sato: We even used to invite members who weren’t on duty to go out for drinks! (Laughs)

Kitai: All the peers in our year have been close since we were prospective employees, including those who didn’t participate in the pre-employment internship.

Toda: Whenever we do something, we reach out to everyone and coordinate schedules, which I think is why the whole group gets along so well.

Sato: Because the COVID-19 pandemic spread just before we joined, everything was online from the time we started until around July. Although we couldn’t often gather at the office to see each other in person, we talked online during breaks and after work.

Kitai: We would talk even during short 10-minute breaks (laughs). Perhaps we became this close precisely because it was during the pandemic.

Relationship with peers

Toda: Everyone in our year is bright and full of personality.

Kitai: Everyone has a different character; there’s a lot of individuality.

Toda: It’s easy to share information and consult with my peers. When something happens, they are the first people I talk to.

Sato: Since our work situations are similar, consulting and finding solutions with them is very smooth.

Toda: That’s true. We ask things like, “How are you handling the increase in projects?” or “How are you using this tool?” Also, many of us have a challenging spirit and are willing to just give things a try.

Kitai: I see my peers as both allies and rivals. When I see one of them being entrusted with a major project, I think it’s impressive, but at the same time, I feel like I don’t want to lose to them.

Sato: “Peers are both allies and rivals” is the quote of the day! (Laughs)

Kitai: It is a quote (laughs). It’s great to have a relationship where we help each other when in trouble while also pushing each other to excel.

Message to students considering applying

Kitai: SUNNY SIDE UP provides an environment where even first-year employees are given opportunities to take on challenges. If there’s something you want to do, I want you to go for it!

Toda: The company has great communication and is a gathering of unique individuals. You will encounter many new things, perspectives, and people!

Sato: PR is truly a job full of dreams, and I believe it’s a place where you can see worlds you never knew existed. Let’s work together!

During the interview, the phrase “When something happens, I consult my peers first” was very impressive. Having people nearby who can push you, support and encourage you, and sometimes just joke around and forget about work is very reassuring.

This time, we brought you a roundtable discussion filled with the sentiment that “it’s great to have peers.” Look forward to the next one!