#Japan #Tokyo #Side Project #SOMPO Group #House Foods

Side Project Phase 7 Launches with Record Participation

The Side Project program, an innovative external cross-border training initiative provided by LoanDeal Inc. based in Minato City, Tokyo, is set to begin its seventh phase in September 2025. This unique program allows participants to utilize about 20% of their working hours to engage with venture companies, thus fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas and business practices.

This phase, which has seen the most extensive participation to date, includes a total of 11 companies with 46 participants. Notably, major players such as House Foods Group Headquarters and three companies from the SOMPO Group have joined the initiative as new entrants this year. The participating companies demonstrate a commitment to nurturing leadership and self-driven career development, essential for fostering a transformative corporate culture.

Participating Companies in Phase 7

New Entrants

• - SOMPO Credit Inc. (Headquartered: Shinjuku, Tokyo, CEO: Kazuko Noma)
• - SOMPO Warranty Inc. (Headquartered: Chiyoda, Tokyo, CEO: Satoko Yamanaka)
• - SOMPO Health Support Inc. (Headquartered: Chiyoda, Tokyo, CEO: Masaaki Kano)
• - House Foods Group Headquarters (Headquartered: Chiyoda, Tokyo, CEO: Hiroshi Urakami)

These companies are committed to enhancing their organizational culture through the development of strong leaders and promoting self-driven career paths for their employees. This year's expansion to include groups reflects a unified approach to fostering these objectives across various divisions.

Continuing Participants

The following companies have also continued their participation in the program:

• - IHI Corporation (Headquartered: Koto, Tokyo, CEO: Hiroshi Ide)
• - KDDI Corporation (Headquartered: Minato, Tokyo, CEO: Koji Matsuda)
• - SOMPO Holdings Inc. (Headquartered: Shinjuku, Tokyo, Group CEO: Mikio Okumura)
• - Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd. (Headquartered: Minato, Tokyo, CEO: Shinichi Sasayama)
• - Japan Post Co., Ltd. (Headquartered: Chiyoda, Tokyo, CEO: Nobuya Koike)
• - Panasonic Connect Co., Ltd. (Headquartered: Chuo, Tokyo, President & CEO: Yasuhiro Higuchi)

Future Program Timeline

Currently, 46 individuals from these 11 companies are scheduled to participate in the program. They will complete a pre-training session focused on career development in June, followed by interviews with venture companies starting in July. Once agreements on work arrangements with the venture companies are reached, participants will utilize 20% of their work hours over a three-month period, from September to November 2025, to implement projects within these companies.

LoanDeal plans to leverage the Side Project to enhance personnel fluidity, promote individual career autonomy, and drive the dynamism of various industries.

Related Event Invitation

The Side Project offers a unique opportunity for professionals to participate in venture projects using 20% of their work hours for three months. To date, 21 companies and 223 individuals have benefited from the program, with 80% of participants reporting a significant change in their approach to careers and work. This is a fresh cross-border program that allows employees from corporate to new business divisions to participate.

Event Overview

• - Date: July 24, 2025, 14:05 - 14:45
• - Location: Online (Zoom)
• - Participation Fee: Free
• - Details & Registration: Event Details

Announcement for Phase 8 Participation Recruitment

We are currently seeking companies to join Phase 8, which will take place from January to March 2026. Feel free to reach out for inquiries regarding participation.

About Side Project

For more information on the Side Project, please visit our website: Side Project Official Site
For business inquiries regarding the program, please contact: press@loandeal.jp

About LoanDeal Inc.

LoanDeal Inc., rooted in the concept of 'cross-border,' focuses on human resource development, innovation generation, and promoting autonomous career paths tailored to organizational needs. Since launching its flagship service 'Rental Transfer' in September 2015, LoanDeal has collaborated with numerous leading firms in Japan, with a cumulative total of 82 corporations adopting its services.

LoanDeal is also recognized for its innovative approach, having received multiple awards, such as the Special Award from the Japan Open Innovation Award in 2019, the Good Design Award in 2020, and the Excellence Award in the Career Ownership Management Award 2024.