Why Did You Join PGJ?

While searching for international advertising agencies, one of my university professors introduced me to PGJ. He had previously worked there and spoke very highly of the company. No matter how much research you do online, it’s hard to truly understand a company’s culture and interpersonal dynamics. Hearing directly from someone with firsthand experience made a strong impression on me.
As I spoke with both former and current PGJ employees, one thing consistently stood out: everyone talked about the company with genuine enthusiasm. Their passion and positivity made me feel that PGJ is a place where people work toward meaningful goals while enjoying what they do. I was also excited by the opportunity to collaborate with people from diverse backgrounds, which is one of the unique aspects of working in a global agency.

What Kind of Work Do You Do?

When I first joined the company, I mostly listened and observed my seniors at work. Gradually, I started being trusted with small tasks, and over time my responsibilities grew. My main duties now include proposing ideas, creating key visual mockups, and communicating with the design team.
At first, I sometimes suggested ideas that missed the mark, but thanks to the team’s thoughtful feedback, I learned not to be afraid of making mistakes and to share my ideas and opinions in meetings. Eventually, I was given the responsibility of directly communicating with the design team. Through these interactions, I learned a lot, not just by observing, but by actually being involved.
This year, I was also trusted with several internal projects. The most memorable were creating wall art as part of the office wrapping project and designing a flyer for the 2025 recruitment networking event. Being put in charge of a prominent wall art piece on the office floor was a huge responsibility, and seeing my artwork displayed so largely for the first time made me feel both nervous and excited.
For the networking event flyer, the three new graduate creatives worked together to come up with the concept, develop the content, take photos, and work on the layout, all under the guidance of our Creative Director. Usually, I only handle a small part in a big project, but for these internal projects, we were able to create something from scratch all the way to completion. This was a valuable opportunity to experience the entire creative process from start to finish.

What's the Best Thing About Joining PGJ?

It’s been about 10 months since I joined PGJ, and the thing I appreciate most is that “everyone is genuinely nice.” My peers, my team members, my seniors, and even my managers, all are truly great people, and I feel very fortunate to be in such a supportive environment. No matter which team I’m part of, everyone creates an atmosphere where even a new graduate like me can easily share opinions.
Because my peers and I all have completely different roles, there’s no unhealthy comparison between us, and hearing about their work motivates me to do my best as well. Also, since many people here speak English, I’m constantly inspired and motivated to improve my language skills too.

Why Did You Join PGJ?

The main reason I chose PGJ is because they offer position-specific recruitment. I’ve always loved moving people’s hearts, coming up with ideas, and working with words, so my top priority during my job search was to secure a creative role at an advertising agency. At most other companies, you’re typically hired as a generalist, which means you don’t know what department you’ll be assigned to after joining.
However, since PGJ uses position-specific hiring, you’re guaranteed to join the department you want. That certainty was the deciding factor for me, and I knew joining PG would be the best choice to help me move closer to my ideal career.
By the way, if you’re someone who feels anxious about having your department decided before joining, don’t worry! I’ve heard that PGJ actually allows for fairly flexible transfers between departments. You can choose to hone your skills in one area, or gain experience in a variety of environments. Either path is possible here.

What Kind of Work Do You Do?

As I mentioned in my self-introduction, I work as a copywriter in the Creative department. The job of a copywriter covers a wide range of tasks. Of course, I develop advertising taglines, but I’m also involved in TV commercial planning, activation ideas, and writing copy for web ads, basically, anything related to words and ideas. I work across various industries, including electronics, snacks, tobacco, automotive, and finance. In addition, I also help plan and write copy for internal and recruitment events.
It might sound impressive, but of course, there isn’t a single project I handle completely on my own as a junior member. I constantly receive edits and feedback from my amazing seniors and managers, which helps me improve my copy and ideas every day. There’s a special sense of accomplishment when, after all that guidance, I finally see a copy I created make it out into the world. I think that’s one of the most rewarding parts of being a copywriter.

What's the Best Thing About Joining PGJ?

The best things about joining PGJ are the open, transparent company culture and the genuinely great people here. I know it sounds cliché, but it’s really true.
When I joined as a copywriter, I braced myself for a tough initiation. I imagined scenarios like taking a proposal I was excited about into a meeting, only to have my boss tear it to shreds, or being told to write a hundred taglines and hearing, “There’s nothing but garbage here.” I even pictured being told to just go home in meetings where I didn’t know what was going on.
But none of that happened. Even when my ideas or copy were full of holes, I always received thoughtful feedback on how I could improve, make the client happier, or create something that would move people. Even when my comments in meetings missed the mark, I was never dismissed. It’s a place where every opinion is genuinely welcomed, no matter what. Thanks to the kind and smart seniors around me, I feel myself growing every day.

Why Did You Join PGJ?

There are many reasons why I wanted to join PGJ, but the biggest one was that I was drawn to the company’s culture. Both before and after joining, I’ve felt that there truly isn’t a single person here who gets annoyed when you ask questions, and it’s an environment where motivated people can really grow. My seniors and managers are all genuinely kind and positive, too.
It’s also a place that values each individual’s personality, so I think many people here are able to continue with their hobbies alongside their work. Even during the interview process, I was asked thoughtful questions to help uncover what I truly wanted to do. Since joining, I’ve been able to discuss with my managers and seniors not only about the work that suits me, but also about my career path. This has given me chances to reflect on my future, and I feel like I’m living every day to the fullest while keeping an eye on where I want to go.

What Kind of Work Do You Do?

I work in business management for clients in the food and beverage industry. As part of the digital team, I spend my days closely analyzing data and numbers on my computer, as well as updating websites and handling other digital tasks.
When I first started, I didn’t understand anything and ended up constantly bombarding my managers and seniors with questions. But I feel that the more questions I asked, the more I was able to grow.
Little by little, I’m able to do more and more, and I’m really starting to feel both the satisfaction and enjoyment of my work.

What's the Best Thing About Joining PGJ?

I feel incredibly grateful to work every day in an environment surrounded by kind and supportive managers, seniors, and colleagues.
You often hear the question, “Do you work to live, or live to work?” Personally, I want to work so that I can live life to the fullest, and I feel truly fortunate to be able to do that at PGJ.
During my job search, I was filled with anxiety about myself and my future, but at PGJ, I feel I can work with confidence in both myself and what lies ahead.
There are also plenty of opportunities to go out for drinks with seniors, colleagues, and team members outside of work, so every week is a lot of fun!

Why Did You Join PGJ?

The reason I wanted to work at PGJ is because I wanted to support the localization of global brands in Japan.
I’ve played basketball since I was a child and often saw ads from a well-known sports company. That’s when I realized that even for a single campaign, the messaging can be completely different depending on the culture of the target country.
This sparked my interest in brand communication that’s tailored to local cultures, and led me to become interested in the advertising industry overall.
Since many of PGJ’s clients are global brands, I wanted to be involved in work that serves as a bridge between those clients and Japanese consumers. That’s why I decided to join PGJ.

What Kind of Work Do You Do?

Since I’m in a business management (account) position, I handle a variety of tasks to ensure smooth project progress between clients and our internal teams. In addition to clear communication with clients, my responsibilities include preparing materials and managing schedules. It can be challenging at times because I need to pay attention to many different aspects of the job simultaneously.
However, one of the most appealing parts of working as an account is the opportunity to collaborate with different departments within the company and learn about the overall flow of a project, from start to finish and through each stage of completion.

What's the Best Thing About Joining PGJ?

One of PGJ’s greatest strengths, in my view, is the environment where you can constantly grow by gaining a variety of experiences and receiving support with many tasks, even from your very first year.
Every day, there are still many things I don’t know, but I’m surrounded by people who offer advice and support not just for work, but for personal matters as well. Thanks to them, I’m able to approach my work without bottling up any anxiety.
Another appealing aspect of PGJ is the diversity of its employees, who come from different nationalities and backgrounds. Having the chance to interact and work with such a wide range of people is also a major attraction for me.

Why Did You Join PGJ?

I didn’t have any particular preferences when it came to choosing a company, but throughout the entire interview process at PGJ—from the first round to the final fourth round—I felt that they took the time to genuinely get to know my personality. While the hiring process at many companies can feel one-sided, PGJ always treated me as an equal and truly engaged with me as an individual.
There wasn’t a web test, but because they really focus on the person, I actually think that makes the process even more challenging. What I really appreciated was that I could just be myself—there was no need to put on an act (and if you try, they’ll see right through it, so it’s best to be authentic!). I’ll never forget when, for the final (remote) interview, I wore a suit to look sharp, and they said, “We want to see your personality, so casual clothes would have been fine.” That left a strong impression on me.
In the end, I was torn between a consulting firm specializing in IR and PGJ, but I chose PGJ not only because of the way they treated candidates during the recruitment process, but also because I was attracted to the idea of working in advertising—a field that reaches so many people and aligns with my sociological interests.
By the way, during the third-round English interview, I really struggled with my English, but the sense of accomplishment I felt after getting through it may have also helped me decide on PGJ.

What Kind of Work Do You Do?

I’m in charge of an imported car manufacturer. Since I’m still in my first year (as of January 2024), there’s a lot I’m still getting used to and learning every day. My main role is to act as a bridge between the client, our internal creative team, and external production companies, managing and overseeing project progress. I’m learning a lot by working closely with my senior colleagues.
Some of my regular tasks include preparing monthly reports on competitors and creating layouts for flyers. Recently, I’ve been involved in a variety of projects such as launching new vehicle models, updating websites for insurance products sold alongside cars, and managing projects for newly issued credit cards.
When I saw the images and videos from the first campaign I led being released to the public, I was filled with emotion. One of my college friends is a fan of the client company, so it’s been really rewarding to feel my work and personal life connect in this way. Even though I only got my driver’s license two months before joining the company and had no previous connection to cars, thanks to the support of my seniors, I’ve been able to manage my responsibilities.
Since it’s work, I don’t often get overly emotional, but with so many stakeholders involved, there are times when things are out of my control and unexpected issues arise, which can be frustrating. I’ve come to realize that it’s important to clarify responsibilities in advance, both for my own peace of mind and for my colleagues. Worrying about things beyond my control is just a waste of time.

What's the Best Thing About Joining PGJ?

I found it reassuring that there wasn’t much difference between my impression of the company before and after joining. I think this is because there were plenty of opportunities to get to know the company through interviews and pre-joining gatherings. The HR team also answered any questions I had thoroughly and thoughtfully.
I feel that people at PGJ are generally very kind and pleasant to work with. I haven’t really experienced any stress related to workplace relationships.
One thing that was different from my expectations is that, even if you join in the same position as others, the work you do can be completely different depending on the clients you’re assigned to. Since it’s hard to compare roles on the same scale, there isn’t much unhealthy competition or friction based on performance—which I think is a good thing. (Besides, since most people here are so nice, I doubt any friction would happen anyway. The interviewers really have a knack for picking the right people!)
As I mentioned before, the work mainly involves managing your assigned client’s projects, rather than the kind of sales role where you’re actively finding new clients or driving up sales numbers. So, for people who are highly motivated by achieving personal numerical targets, it might be hard to maintain motivation in this kind of role.

Why Did You Join PGJ?

There are three reasons why I wanted to join PGJ:

1. I’ve always loved creativity and wanted to be involved in it throughout my life.
2. I wanted to be on the side of creating the kind of powerful, impactful ads that once moved me when I was younger.
3. Through the interviews, I could genuinely feel how great the atmosphere, the people, and the company culture were. The more I talked with everyone, the more I realized what a wonderful company it is. I also felt, more than in any other interview during my job search, that they really wanted to get to know and understand me. That made me feel that PGJ was the one and only place for me.

Even after joining, my impression from the third point has only grown stronger. I can honestly say with pride that this is a fantastic company, and I’m truly glad to have joined.

What Kind of Work Do You Do?

I work in business management (account), and my main role is to act as a bridge between clients and our internal teams. To create and deliver better content, I listen carefully to what our clients are thinking and envisioning, and then share those insights with our in-house specialists so we can all work together toward a common goal.
In my case, I’m not in charge of just one brand—I handle multiple brands. Each team and client has a different atmosphere and way of working, which makes every day stimulating and exciting!

What's the Best Thing About Joining PGJ?

There are two main things that make me glad I joined PGJ. The first is the truly global environment, and the second is the people—who are honestly one of the company’s greatest strengths because they’re so warm and welcoming.
Regarding the first point, there are people here from all kinds of backgrounds. In some areas, you’ll hear English being spoken, while in others it’s Japanese. Working in such an environment brings new insights and stimulation almost every day, and I feel like my own assumptions and values are constantly being refreshed. The more time I spend here and the more people I interact with, the more interesting and enriching my life becomes.
The second point is “the people.” At PGJ, everyone I’ve met has been genuinely kind and warm. When I first joined as a new grad and was feeling lost and anxious, senior colleagues would casually reach out and offer help. I tend to overthink things and sometimes get stuck in my own head, but there was a time when a colleague simply asked, “Is everything okay?” and listened to my concerns, which really saved me. It might seem like a small thing, but here people genuinely reach out and offer support.
There’s also a close bond between new grads and senior employees—we often go out for meals after work, and we even organize Christmas and year-end parties together. There’s a real sense of camaraderie, both at work and outside of it.

Why Did You Join PGJ?

The first reason is that I majored in advertising at university, so I wanted to work somewhere with a wide variety of roles in the field and the chance to interact with many different clients. When I looked at PGJ’s website and realized it was the company behind ads I see in my daily life, my desire to join grew even stronger.
The second reason is the company’s free and open culture. Fashion, hair color, and nails are just as important to me as work itself, so I was really drawn to PGJ because it’s a company that respects and values those personal expressions.

What Kind of Work Do You Do?

I’m part of the Digital Team in the Media Department, and my main job is managing paid media advertising. I handle three different clients, and my main responsibilities are campaign planning, execution, and reporting for each one.
This role is perfect for anyone who wants to develop media advertising management skills and analytical abilities!

What's the Best Thing About Joining PGJ?

First of all, I feel really fortunate to be surrounded by great people. My peers and team members are all wonderful, and it makes for a very comfortable environment. I always look forward to going to the office!
On the work side, even as a newcomer, I get lots of opportunities to take on new challenges with support from my managers. Being able to feel myself grow every day gives me a real sense of accomplishment, and I’m really happy about that!

Why Did You Join PGJ?

When I was job hunting, I was looking for a company where I could choose my role to some extent, work in an open environment, and make use of my English skills. I had experience managing social media for my university club and during internships, so I was especially interested in digital content creation and creative work that moves people in accessible, everyday ways using new platforms. Being able to specifically apply for a position on the Social Team really sealed the deal for me.
Everyone I spoke with during the selection process was very friendly, open, and diverse, and they treated me as an individual, engaging with me thoughtfully. I was especially drawn to the fact that PGJ didn’t have the formality and rigidity that’s often found in Japanese companies.

What Kind of Work Do You Do?

I manage the social media accounts for apparel, tourism, and beverage brands as part of the Social Team. Social media work is very broad, and my responsibilities differ depending on the brand. The main workflow involves content planning and brainstorming ideas, producing content, posting, and then analyzing and reporting on performance.
In addition to that, I also research and report on the latest trends, and sometimes help design the overall social media strategy for a brand—the work really covers a wide range of tasks.
For some brands, I even get to propose my own content ideas, film and edit videos myself, and post them. Seeing my own creations go out into the world is incredibly rewarding.

What's the Best Thing About Joining PGJ?

This connects to the previous question, but one of the most rewarding aspects for me is being entrusted with a variety of tasks from my very first year. In the Social Team, I get to experience the entire process—from strategy development and planning all the way to the final reporting—which has really accelerated my growth. There’s plenty of support as well, so if I ever run into trouble, I can always ask for help.
Even though I had no prior experience, I was interested in creative work like video shooting, editing, and copywriting, and I’ve actually been given opportunities to handle those tasks. It’s incredibly fulfilling to be in an environment where you can try so many new things, even as a beginner.
Also, the open and free atmosphere I felt during the interview process has proven to be real after joining. It’s a very open environment where you can communicate with colleagues from all kinds of backgrounds on a level playing field, making the job even more enjoyable.

Why Did You Join PGJ?

Based on my experiences as a student, I realized the powerful influence of advertising and marketing in business, especially the importance of communicating through social media. So when I was job hunting, I wanted to find a role where I could share the appeal of people and things through social media and other media channels. There are two main reasons why I chose PGJ.
First, at PGJ, you can apply for a specific role, which means that—unlike at many other large companies—I could be sure I’d get to work in Social, the area that interests me most. During the recruitment process, I was able to leverage my experience managing social media as a student, and I was confident that I’d be able to do the kind of work I really wanted to do. This was a major deciding factor for me.
Second, I wanted to make use of my international experiences and work in a global environment. PGJ’s open atmosphere and strong emphasis on diversity were extremely appealing to me. Being able to actually talk with future team members during the selection process gave me a real sense of the company’s casual and open culture, which made me even more certain that I wanted to join.

What Kind of Work Do You Do?

I’m responsible for two brands—a fashion manufacturer and a pharmaceutical company—on the Social Team. When I first joined, I had little knowledge and felt lost, but thanks to the support of my inspiring senior colleagues, I gradually got used to the work.
One of the great things about working in Social is that our team often handles everything related to managing brand accounts: account management, market research, strategy development, content planning and creation, and performance analysis. While it can be challenging at times, being involved in such a wide range of tasks means I’m constantly learning and find the work exciting every day. Since results on social media are reflected in the numbers, it’s also rewarding to see how content I’ve worked on performs right away.
Recently, I’ve been working with clients on larger campaign planning and execution. It’s really exciting to see the team’s ideas take shape!

What's the Best Thing About Joining PGJ?

PGJ has a free and open company culture. Even as a new graduate, I’ve had plenty of opportunities to share my ideas and opinions, and to be entrusted with real work. If I express an interest in a certain type of project, my managers listen and are supportive, which I really appreciate. Just as I imagined before joining, it’s a diverse, open environment where I can make use of both logical and creative skills.
Since joining, I’ve had weekly catch-up meetings with my manager, and I’ve always felt comfortable asking questions whenever something comes up—which has been a huge help.
We also regularly have BBQs and dinners with colleagues who joined at the same time or are close in age, so I’ve been able to build great relationships and have fun outside of work too.