We will show you how to create “fun commotion”! Announcement of our internship program for the Class of 2026 a roundtable discussion with young team members

Hello! I am Tamura from the HR team at SUNNY SIDE UP GROUP.

At the end of 2024, the year-end and New Year holidays were longer than usual, and many of you may have taken the opportunity to travel farther than normal.

Although it is still this time of year when the New Year mood tends to linger, at SUNNY SIDE UP GROUP we have been holding an online internship program for those scheduled to graduate in 2026 since January 2025.

Titled:

“Internship Company Research” — How to Create Fun Commotion!

This internship is recommended not only for those interested in SUNNY SIDE UP GROUP, but also for anyone who would like to deepen their understanding of the PR industry—for example, those wondering “What is PR in the first place?”, “What is the difference between PR and advertising?”, or “What kind of work do PR and marketing involve?”

▼Content
〈Overview〉PR and the PR industry
〈Overview〉About SUNNY SIDE UP GROUP
〈Overview〉How we work at SUNNY SIDE UP GROUP (career steps/benefits, etc.)
〈Video〉Project introductions by members (sports/regional revitalization/IP business, etc.)
〈Video〉Talk session　　　　　　　　　　　　　etc…

This time, as a special feature, we will share a bonus segment from one of our limited contents, the “Roundtable discussion with four young members,” featuring material that did not make it into the main program.

Members from Steady Study, who usually work at an office different from our Sendagaya head office, also joined us, and the four of them spoke at length—from what their job hunting was like to stories and behind-the-scenes episodes you do not usually get to hear. Please stay with us until the end!

*In this article, to convey the members’ relationships and everyday atmosphere, we have written it in a conversational format, using their remarks as they were actually spoken.

From left in the photo: Public Relations Division / Social Relations Bureau / Dept. 2 / Group 3: Chika Ozu; Steady Study / PR: Sayuri Shiozaki; Public Relations Division / Social Relations Bureau / Dept. 1 / Group 3: Shonosuke Maeda; Public Relations Division / Social Relations Bureau / Dept. 3 / Group 2: Mian Fujimura

——Thank you all for the photo shoot!

All:
Thank you very much!

Shiozaki:
Will we be filming a video as well?

——After this, it will be photos only, so please relax (laughs). Now, this roundtable is intended for those who will participate in the internship, but is there anything that left an impression on you during the recruitment selection process at SUNNY SIDE UP GROUP?

Shiozaki:
What happened at the final interview is still memorable to me.

Up until then, the interviewers had been wearing whatever casual clothes they liked, but on the day of the final interview everyone was dressed in black—perhaps because they had client visits—and it made me nervous.

Also, I think this is an episode unique to the fashion industry, but Mr. Kamide, our representative, asked me, “Do you have a favorite clothing brand?” In that moment, the thought crossed my mind: “Are they testing my fashion sense and sensitivity?” and I was briefly at a loss for words. Surrounded by people active on the front lines of the industry, I thought it over and ended up naming a brand that was a bit of a stretch for me (laughs).

Fujimura:
When I was a junior in college, SUNNY SIDE UP was my first choice, so in an effort to get even a little closer to the company, I joined the “Nihonmono” event hosted by Hidetoshi Nakata—who is now an Executive Officer at SUNNY SIDE UP GROUP—as a hall staff member.

There, I had the opportunity to meet Ms. Tsugihara (currently President CEO of SUNNY SIDE UP GROUP), and I took the chance to tell her that I truly wanted to join the company. She then said to me, “I’ll be waiting for you at the final interview.”

After that, I worked as an intern while going through the regular recruitment process, and finally reached the final interview. The moment Ms. Tsugihara said, “You finally made it,” I was genuinely moved.

Ozu:
I started job hunting early and prepared thoroughly for interviews—so much so that I could answer any question smoothly.

However, in my interview at SUNNY SIDE UP, that very way of answering led Ms. Tsugihara to point out, “You’re like AI” (laughs). After that, she asked me a variety of questions to try to see who I really was.

Because I had interviewed with so many companies, it really came through that they were sincerely looking at my personality—not as “one of many students,” but as “one person.” I was deeply impressed.

Maeda:
There are two things from the group work that left an impression on me.

First, someone who is now my cohort and works with me was in the same group at the time. Right after joining the company, we said, “We were in the same group work, weren’t we?” and that is how we became closer. We still have a very good relationship.

Second, I joined that group work online, but my internet connection was poor and my dog kept barking nonstop at home, so I could not speak at all and panicked.

Then, right near the end, Mr. Nakayama (currently an Executive Officer at SUNNY SIDE UP) said to me, “Sorry, Maeda—I couldn’t hear anything! I’ll give you one minute, so say something!” In that moment, I thought, “I have to make an impression here!” and I desperately gave my self-pitch. I still remember it clearly.

Later, at a re-screening session, I was able to speak properly and move on to the final selection. It was a very memorable experience for me.

——So your dog helped connect you with SUNNY SIDE UP!

Maeda:
Well, if anything, it felt more like I was being put through a trial… (laughs).

All:
(laughs)

——Everyone’s path to joining is different. By the way, what were the reasons you chose our company, and what did you find appealing? Please tell us what attracted you and why you wanted to work here.

Fujimura:
True to the phrase “Let’s Have Fun!”, I felt that all of SUNNY SIDE UP’s work exists to create that “fun commotion,” and that resonated strongly with me.

Also, during my time as an intern, I realized there are many people who have made what they love into their work. I, too, have something I clearly “love,” and I became convinced that this is a place where I can shape that into a career.

Maeda:
Many of my family members work in the advertising industry, so I also deepened my studies of advertising and PR at university. When SUNNY SIDE UP was featured in a PR class, I felt it was a company that seemed a bit different, yet very fun—and that was my first encounter with this company.

As I progressed through the selection process, there were many moments when I was surprised to learn, “SUNNY SIDE UP worked on this too,” and I chose this company because I wanted to do work that influences society as well.

Shiozaki:
Of course I am interested in fashion, but I was also drawn to how much the company values teamwork.

I belonged to an athletic club as a student and often experienced achieving goals together with teammates, so I felt those values aligned with my own way of thinking.

In particular, I felt that Steady Study offers an environment where you can work freely and be yourself while collaborating as a team, and I was confident that I could maximize my abilities here.

Ozu:
I originally aimed for the advertising industry, but I began to feel there were broader possibilities beyond that framework, and I became interested in the PR industry as well.

I considered several PR agencies, but I resonated with the fact that every member shares the same desire to “Let’s Have Fun!” Also, among the achievements published at the time, there were many brands and facilities I knew, and that sense of excitement became the deciding factor—so I chose SUNNY SIDE UP.

——SUNNY SIDE UP GROUP really does leave a strong impression of “fun” and “excitement,” doesn’t it? I would also like to ask about life outside of work: How do you spend your weekends and after-work time in a “fun” way? Please tell us your ways of refreshing and your hobbies.

Ozu:
After joining the company, a senior colleague in my department invited me, and I started going to watch soccer matches—something I had not been very interested in before. At first I joined casually, but before I knew it I was completely hooked, and now I look forward to watching J.League matches every week.

SUNNY SIDE UP has the “Fun Commotion Creation Support” program (*), so I stay active while making use of programs like this and enrich my time outside of work as well!

*A program under which the company partially subsidizes expenses for various experiences—such as movies, live concerts, and sports spectating—intended as input for “creating fun commotion.”

Maeda:
I spend my time doing all sorts of things. I often stay active—going hiking, or going rafting and having BBQs with my cohort, including Ozu.

I also sometimes use the “Fun Commotion Creation Support” program to go see a movie, and other times I enjoy taking my time to read books purchased through the “SUNNY Library” program (*).

I use these programs very frequently, and I spend very fulfilling time—having fun while gaining information and refreshing myself!

*A program under which the company covers book purchase costs up to a certain monthly amount for learning and input. The genres vary by person, from specialized and practical books to qualification exam guides and novels.

Shiozaki:
I like eating out, so I often go out for meals with friends.
I also like outdoor music events! When there is an opportunity such as a three-day weekend, I sometimes enjoy camping in the mountains while listening to music.

Fujimura:
I love running, and people around me tease me by saying, “Running again?” (laughs).

Of course I have many other things I like, but I really do run a lot even on my days off. The other day, I participated in the Toyama Marathon with SUNNY SIDE UP GROUP’s in-house running club! We have about 10 members, and Maeda, who is here with us today, is one of them.

When we participate in a marathon, we gather once a week after work to practice starting about two months beforehand. We usually meet every other week, and running together in a fun way also boosts our motivation.

▼Click here to learn more about the running club’s activities▼
A total of 12 members competed in “TOKYO Night Relay at the National Stadium.” | Running Club Activity Report

——Our group has various other programs as well, so please continue to make use of them. Finally, if you have an episode in which you achieved something you had envisioned before joining—something you thought “I want to be like this” or “I want to do this”—please share it with us.

Shiozaki:
I was truly happy when a brand I love was featured in a magazine I love as a result of my communications with media professionals!

Recently, I have had more opportunities to work together with people from brands I admire. Now, in my second year at the company, I am once again realizing that what I loved as a student is now being realized as my work.

Ozu:
I feel that I have been able to realize a way of working that is not confined by conventional boundaries and expands possibilities!

Rather than reaching an easy conclusion, I can feel every day the team’s attitude of holding discussions repeatedly and thoroughly pursuing “what will communicate most effectively.”

I have also been able to work on projects involving “things and experiences everyone knows” that excited me before joining the company, and just as I imagined, I am able to do enjoyable and fulfilling work.

Fujimura:
I truly feel that I have been able to make what I love into my work. After joining, I continued self-branding both inside and outside the company—such as “I love sports” and “I’m good at marathons”—and as a result, I have been given many more opportunities to be involved in the fields I love.

I also share running-related information on Instagram, and my followers have gradually increased—so much so that I now do influencer activities as a side job. Sometimes this activity even leads to SUNNY SIDE UP work, and I feel that what I love is expanding more and more as my work!

Maeda:
I joined the company with the desire to “be someone at the center of creating buzz.”

So far, I have been involved in PR for the opening of large-scale facilities and for electronic devices, and each time I see them being reported on TV day after day or becoming a topic on social media, I feel that I am gradually achieving that goal. In particular, I was even happier than ever when an electronic device product—often considered difficult to feature on TV—was covered by the media.

I believe there are still endless ways to create buzz. Going forward, I would like to create even more “fun commotion”!

What did you think?

In the main roundtable session, we will share stories focused on “after joining the company,” so that you can more concretely imagine what it is like to work at SUNNY SIDE UP GROUP.

In addition, we have prepared plenty of other limited contents available only through the internship. We sincerely look forward to receiving your applications!