Why SSU? Why We Chose SUNNY SIDE UP ＜New Graduate Edition＞

Hello.This is Sunny-chan from Public Relations!

On April 1, 16 new graduates joined SUNNY SIDE UP, welcoming new colleagues to Let’s Have Fun! together.

In this post, we present a cross-talk interview from our Brand Book (completed on March 2) featuring members who also joined the company as new graduates around this time of year!

“Why did you choose SUNNY SIDE UP?”

“Why the PR industry?”

They each had their own unique reasons.

We spoke with three former new graduates from different years and departments about why they decided to join SUNNY SIDE UP!

Left: Takara (2nd year), Center: Tsuruzono (6th year), Right: Miki (4th year)
*Years of service are as of April 1, 2020.

Please tell us your motivation and background for joining SUNNY SIDE UP.

Takara: It started when a friend recommended it to me during my junior year of university. I used to play handball and wanted to broadly communicate the appeal of minor sports. I felt that SSU, with its strength in sports PR, would give me the power to make that dream a reality.

Tsuruzono: That’s wonderful! I went to a high school that specialized in English and studied French literature in university. I wanted to be able to communicate with people all over the world in the future, so I discovered SSU while researching PR firms and advertising agencies. At an SSU recruitment event, I was suddenly given an “omikuji” (fortune slip), and at that point, I thought, “What a quirky company!” However, there were many fun mechanisms for participants to communicate with each other, and I felt that joining this company would allow me to build various connections.

Miki: I had the image of it being a fun company. I tend to get bored easily, so I was looking for a company that handled a wide range of work rather than one that did just one thing. Since my student days, I had been personally organizing events for games I love, and I enjoyed creating spaces where everyone could have fun. I thought that at SSU, I might be able to do work that felt like an extension of that. Since joining, I’ve met many unique individuals, and I truly enjoy my work.

“I felt that SSU, with its strength in sports PR, would give me the power to make my dream a reality.”

What has been your most memorable project since joining the company?

Takara: Since it’s only my first year, I don’t have much to tell yet, but it was when I secured my first TV exposure. I kept approaching media outlets steadily while receiving advice from my seniors. I learned the importance of visiting in person and valuing communication that reflects my own personality.

Miki: For me, it was being able to propose a project to a client in the gaming industry. While consulting with various people in the company, my plan was approved and led to a contract. It was a large project in terms of budget, so it boosted the morale of the entire department. Because I love games, I was able to work out the very fine details, and I really felt that “love” is essential (laughs).

What is important in the work of PR and promotion?

Tsuruzono: I try to spend as much time as possible studying. From current events to trends, I collect information and visit events that interest me. For better or worse, everything in my daily life is connected to my work.

Miki: My daily work is mainly desk work, but I make sure my brain never stops when it comes to gathering input or thinking of ideas in my everyday life.

What type of person is suited for SSU? Also, what kind of people do you want to work with?

Miki: SSU offers many opportunities to learn, such as idea generation and presentations. Therefore, I think people who can always absorb learning honestly are suited for it. Also, I want to work with people who never forget to be grateful, who say “thank you” properly, and who can do the basic things right.

Tsuruzono: I think it’s important to be able to enjoy anything. Even if things are tough, being able to feel happy because the beer after work tastes good. I think this job is suited for people who have a switch to think positively even when things are negative and can change their mindset.

Takara: Right after joining, I noticed that there are many people who are very sensitive to trends. There are people who are quick to catch information, have deep knowledge in one area, or continue to pursue what they love. I think being a trend-seeker is important. Also, the company’s club activities are very active, and we often hang out with colleagues on holidays, so if you like having fun, please join us!

“This job is suited for people who are good at switching their mindset.”

Is there a senior colleague you admire within the company?

Takara: I respect my direct supervisors, Mr. Shimizu and Ms. Ogawa. Mr. Shimizu is the youngest director and has incredibly high communication skills. Ms. Ogawa is a great reference for how she always pays attention to things outside her own work and her ability to guide juniors. Also, the power of our President, Ms. Tsugihara, is very inspiring as I look to advance my career as a woman.

Miki: For me, it’s Mr. Tanaka, the director. He is the one who started the Digital Department. He loves bishojo anime and wears anime T-shirts every day, but his sense of responsibility as a director, his vast knowledge, and how well he looks after others are wonderful. He is the person I aim to become.

Tsuruzono: I think everyone is wonderful.

Miki: That sounds so fake! (laughs)

Tsuruzono: Well, I’m probably most influenced by my direct supervisor, Mr. Fukushima. He has a long career, but he is very knowledgeable, and I’m always surprised by the amount of information he takes in. For any client, while we might speak with two strategies, Mr. Fukushima speaks with ten, which gives them a sense of security. I think that’s very important in communication, so I want to learn from that attitude.

Do you have a message for students who are currently job hunting?

Miki: “Play as much as you can during your student days!” The gaming events I’ve been doing since I was a student are now being utilized in my work. If you do what you love, it will connect in some way, so study just enough and go play!

Takara: Since this is a job that involves talking to many people, I think you should have experiences so that you can tell interesting stories. Things you’ve actually experienced carry more weight, so I want to tell my last-year self to have various experiences so you can speak about them as your own.

Tsuruzono: I think it’s good to make 1,000 friends. Connections from student days continue long after you become a working professional, so they are important. Sometimes you’ll drink together, and sometimes you’ll work together.

“If you do what you love, it will connect in some way, so study just enough.”

Text: Kana Yokota

How was it?

We plan to continue releasing content from our Brand Book, which is full of the secrets behind SUNNY SIDE UP’s Let’s Have Fun!, on our blog and website!

While uncertain days continue, we hope that everyone can spend their days as positively as possible.

See you next time! (^^)