Discussing Why They Became Interested in PR and Their Impressions After Joining! Mid-Career Member Roundtable | Why I Joined SUNNY SIDE UP Vol.4 Part 1

This is a series where we delve into what motivated each member to join and the work they handle: “Why I Joined SUNNY SIDE UP.” This time, we held a roundtable discussion with mid-career members!

The participants are Warashina, who transferred from an apparel PR company; Sugitani, who joined after working at two PR companies; and Hachisuka, who made a major career change from being a pharmacist.

From left: Warashina, Sugitani, Hachisuka

We asked these three members—each with different ages and backgrounds—to share the circumstances leading to their joining, what kind of person is a good fit for SUNNY SIDE UP, and more. We’ll be delivering this in two parts!

For the previous article, please see “Mastering One Thing Isn’t Enough! The Career Path Found by Ambitious Members | Why I Joined SUNNY SIDE UP Vol.3”.

■ Career Background and What Led to Joining

Warashina: I studied vocal music at a music university, and after graduation, I continued modeling work—having been signed to a modeling agency since high school—while also pursuing music activities and working as an assistant for concert planning at a classical music agency.

Because of my modeling work and music activities, I was naturally often in the spotlight, but I myself suffer from stage fright. Also, while watching people involved in music activities, I often thought, “This person would look so much more appealing if they promoted themselves this way.”

That’s when I became interested in behind-the-scenes work like PR. A friend working at a PR company introduced me to Attaché de Presse (an apparel PR company), where I worked for about three years.

We had many clients who were overseas designers and brands, and the industry had many people with study-abroad experience. I wanted to broaden my career opportunities, so I decided to study abroad and resigned. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I couldn’t go.

I waited about a year for the right timing, but I didn’t want to just stand still, so I applied to SUNNY SIDE UP. During my previous job, I worked with various PR companies, and while there were many wonderful companies, the atmosphere of the people at SUNNY SIDE UP left a particularly strong impression on me. After projects ended, everyone would high-five each other, always working with smiles—there was a sense of unity and camaraderie that I found really appealing.

Attaché de Presse was fashion PR, but just as my motivation for studying abroad was to handle a wider range of projects, SUNNY SIDE UP also allows me to work on diverse projects. I also thought there might be opportunities to connect the classical music I had studied to my work. I didn’t consider transferring to other PR companies—it was a choice between joining SUNNY SIDE UP or waiting a bit longer to study abroad.

Sugitani: I worked as a systems engineer for about two years after graduating, but I realized I preferred working with clients at their sites, thinking through things together, rather than just writing programming code. That’s when I decided I wanted to transition to marketing-related work, which I had enjoyed since university. I started researching and discovered PR companies for the first time.

SUNNY SIDE UP is my third PR company. At my first company, I mainly worked in corporate communications, focusing on defensive PR. I wanted to handle more strategic, offensive PR with my own hands, so I transferred to a PR company known for strategic PR. At my second company, I gained experience primarily in healthcare and food sectors. For my next step, I wanted to be involved in a broader range of genres beyond just PR, extending into marketing communications, which is why I joined SUNNY SIDE UP.

Hachisuka: I graduated from the pharmacy department at university and worked as a pharmacist at a pharmacy. I went to pharmacy school partly to meet my parents’ expectations—it felt like I was just following a predetermined path. But when I actually worked as a pharmacist, every day was routine work, and I felt stifled because I couldn’t express my individuality.

I wanted to try something new, so I researched various industries and learned about PR and communications, which interested me. I attended information sessions at several PR companies, but I was captivated by Shinya-san’s (current Executive Officer of SUNNY SIDE UP GROUP Inc., Shinya Kobayashi) presentation about SUNNY SIDE UP. While other companies emphasized their achievements and greatness, Shinya-san talked about what happened within the company in an entertaining way. He even shared stories about challenges they faced and how they overcame them, laughing cheerfully. I felt the positive atmosphere and open communication within the company. In the end, I didn’t apply to other companies—I only took the recruitment exam for SUNNY SIDE UP.

Sugitani: Many people decided to join after hearing Shinya-san’s talk. That was one of the reasons I decided to join as well.

■ Current Work Responsibilities

Warashina: I currently handle PR for a wide range of fields, including hotels, alcoholic beverages, gadget products, and NFT art. Beyond media exposure, I’m also involved in operations, and for NFT art, I search for artists to submit to auctions—the actual work varies completely from project to project. I always think about how to energize our clients’ businesses and act accordingly.

Sugitani: I mainly handle sales and support members as a group leader. My main clients include commercial facilities, pharmaceutical companies, and BtoB products.

Hachisuka: I also handle sales centered on PR and leadership duties, and my clients span various genres including beauty and food service.

■ To Be Continued in Part 2!

How was it?

As they’ve shared so far, each of their experiences is unique.

In Part 2, we’ll continue hearing from these three about how their respective experiences are being utilized at SUNNY SIDE UP now, and messages for those considering joining mid-career.

Stay tuned!