#Japan #Osaka #Synergy Marketing #Team Building #Rise Entertainment

Innovative Year-End Gathering with Interactive Puzzle Solving

On December 26, 2025, Rise Entertainment created an exciting atmosphere at Synergy Marketing’s year-end corporate gathering by introducing an interactive puzzle-solving event. This unique approach aims to enhance communication among employees, especially in a time when remote work has often diluted personal interactions.

With approximately 239 employees participating, teams were formed randomly across departments, encouraging collaboration and engagement among colleagues who might not frequently interact. The theme of the event was "Re:CREATION – Everyone Takes on the Puzzle Stage," aligning with Synergy Marketing's gathering theme of "Synergy! UNITE" and its slogan "Re:START – Together We Create a New Stage."

Fostering Team Spirit through Shared Challenges

The event was designed not merely for networking but also for enhancing the sense of unity through collaboration. Teams were tasked with solving intricate puzzles within a set time frame, requiring them to delegate roles and work closely together. Participants could be seen engrossed in the challenges, helping each other, and sharing ideas in an encouraging environment.

Participants reported positive experiences, with one inside sales team member in their 40s expressing, “It was a lot of fun and a great opportunity to naturally interact with colleagues I don’t usually speak to.” Another participant from the marketing department noted, “I love puzzles, but this one was challenging enough to feel like I was genuinely put to the test. It was fascinating to see everyone's unique ideas.”

The benefits were clear; cross-departmental interactions flourished, creating an atmosphere filled with laughter and the joy of achievement when puzzles were solved.

A Shift in Year-End Company Culture

Recent years have seen a shift in how companies approach their year-end events. Younger employees are more receptive to engaging activities, though participating in traditional drinking parties presents psychological barriers for many. The introduction of experiential content like puzzle-solving serves as a refreshing alternative to obligatory gatherings, promoting natural conversation and connection that cannot be replicated online. This year’s event exemplifies this evolving trend, illustrating how organizations adapt their practices to foster better employee engagement.

Insights from Key Participants

Hiroshi Okudaira, CEO of Synergy Marketing, shared his own experience: “It was my first attempt at puzzle-solving, and I was genuinely surprised by its depth. The satisfaction of piecing the answers together as a team was not only fulfilling but also a natural conversation starter.“

Manager Haruna Sasaki emphasized the need for more interactive experiences, stating, “This year’s event was precisely what we wanted—a platform for employees to engage with each other rather than remaining segmented in their familiar groups.”

Yuuki Nitta, the creative director from Rise Entertainment, explained, “We designed the puzzles to align with the theme of 'Re:START'. The structure allowed for unexpected twists and multiple moments of realization that resonate with participants. It was truly an immersive experience.”

Event Summary

• - Event Name: Synergy Marketing Corporate Gathering “Synergy! UNITE”
• - Date: December 26, 2025
• - Venue: Hotel Elsereno Osaka, Osaka City
• - Participants: Approximately 239 employees
• - Content: [Part One] Management Plan Announcement and MVP Awards; [Part Two] Puzzle-Solving Gathering
• - Puzzle Planning and Production: Rise Entertainment

The event underscored the importance of fostering a collaborative culture in the workplace, evolving the traditional year-end celebration into an interactive experience that brings employees together.

Conclusion

Rise Entertainment's innovative puzzle-solving event illustrates a significant shift in corporate year-end gatherings. By prioritizing engagement and communication through shared challenges, companies can better bond their teams, paving the way for a more connected and productive workplace culture.