First Penguin! - Asian drama recommendation
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First Penguin!(ファーストペンギン!)

2022Japan
Abuse Of PowerBusinessCEO Female LeadCountryside SettingDramaGender EqualityHardworking Female LeadLifeRural LifeSexismSingle MotherSlight ComedySmall Business

The "first penguin" symbolizes the brave individual who takes the initiative in a challenging situation. Iwasaki Nodoka, a young single mother facing financial struggles, meets a fisherman who offers her a job to help rebuild the coast for 10,000 yen. Despite her lack of experience in the fishing industry, Nodoka works diligently with the local fishermen to bring about positive changes and revolutionize the industry by challenging traditional practices.

Asian dramas like
First Penguin

Recommendation: The Depths of Wumeng similar to First Penguin!
29%Match
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The Depths of Wumeng(乌蒙深处)

2025China
Countryside SettingDramaLifeRural LifeNovel Adaptation

Like First Penguin!, this drama also features Countryside Setting, Drama, Life, and Rural Life themes with a 29% similarity match.

The "Three Herbs of Wumeng" has supported advancements in agriculture, livestock farming, and cultural tourism, propelling rural progress. Artisans skilled in Miao embroidery have transformed their traditional craftsmanship into economic assets, becoming custodians of intangible cultural heritage with their creations reaching markets both across the country and internationally. Local officials have spearheaded initiatives that connect poverty reduction with the revitalization of rural areas, fostering development across primary, secondary, and tertiary sectors, while enhancing village living conditions and the quality of life for residents.

Recommendation: Master of My Own similar to First Penguin!
24%Match
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Master of My Own(请叫我总监)

2022China
BusinessDramaHardworking Female LeadLifeSlight ComedyNovel AdaptationCharacter DevelopmentEnemies To LoversRude Male LeadSlight RomanceSlow Burn RomanceSmart Female LeadWorkplace Violence

Like First Penguin!, this drama also features Business, Drama, Hardworking Female Lead, Life, and Slight Comedy themes with a 24% similarity match.

Ning Meng has always aspired to be an investment director, however, she ends up in a stagnant role at an investment company post-graduation, working under Lu Ji Ming who questions her capabilities

Recommendation: Miss Lee similar to First Penguin!
23%Match
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Miss Lee(청일전자 미쓰리)

2019South Korea
BusinessCEO Female LeadDramaHardworking Female LeadLifeCheerful Female LeadComedyEmotionally Strong Male LeadInnocent Female LeadNice Female LeadOffice SettingOffice Worker Male LeadShy Female LeadWorkplace Setting

Like First Penguin!, this drama also features Business, CEO Female Lead, Drama, Hardworking Female Lead, and Life themes with a 23% similarity match.

“Miss Lee” tells the tale of Lee Seon Shim, who begins her journey at the lowest level of her organization and unexpectedly rises to the position of CEO as she strives to rescue her company from disaster following the sudden vanishing of its owner. Despite having minimal qualifications and initially being relegated to running various trivial tasks, her distinctive optimism enables her to endure and ultimately transform into an inspiring and exceptional leader. Yoo Jin Wook, known for his sharp wit and realism, has faced numerous challenges in his life. Although his past has made him jaded, cynical, and somewhat unapproachable, he finds a renewed sense of purpose when Lee Seon Shim takes on the role of CEO, eventually becoming her brutally honest yet supportive mentor. (Soompi)

Recommendation: The Arc of Life similar to First Penguin!
22%Match
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The Arc of Life(她們創業的那些鳥事)

2021Taiwan
BusinessDramaHardworking Female LeadLifeEmotionally Strong Female LeadFemale Centered PlotFriendshipPolar OppositesSmart Female Lead

Like First Penguin!, this drama also features Business, Drama, Hardworking Female Lead, and Life themes with a 22% similarity match.

Three women of varying personalities found themselves joining forces to launch a business as a result of unforeseen events. As they navigate the challenging path of entrepreneurship, they will discover how to find humor in setbacks, refuse to surrender, and evolve along the way! (iQiyi)

Recommendation: Hello Gorgeous similar to First Penguin!
21%Match
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Hello Gorgeous(華麗一族)

2013China
BusinessDramaLifeRomance

Like First Penguin!, this drama also features Business, Drama, and Life themes with a 21% similarity match.

Song Jiao Yang, a talented student in the field of fashion design, unexpectedly finds herself thrust into the world of supermodeling. As she navigates this new industry, she forms connections with Li Zhen (played by Godfrey Gao) and Zhao Yu Tian (portrayed by Jed Lee). Zhao Yu Tian, an established model, takes a tough-love approach with Jiao Yang but harbors hidden feelings for her. On the other hand, Li Zhen is kind and supportive towards Jiao Yang, though he conceals his past and origins. Feeling rejected by his family, Li Zhen's demeanor changes, leading him down a path of vengeance where he will go to great lengths, including manipulating his relationship with Song Jiao Yang.

Recommendation: Perfect Village similar to First Penguin!
21%Match
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Perfect Village(最美的乡村)

2020China
Countryside SettingDramaRural LifeVillage Setting

Like First Penguin!, this drama also features Countryside Setting, Drama, and Rural Life themes with a 21% similarity match.

The narrative follows Tang Tian Shi, who has recently taken on the role of Deputy Secretary in Qingshan Town. Also featured are Xin Lan, a woman who works as a news anchor at a local radio and television station, and Shi Quan, a young college student who has returned home with plans to launch a business.

Recommendation: The Perfect Path for Two similar to First Penguin!
21%Match
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The Perfect Path for Two(夫婦道)

2007Japan
BusinessDramaLifeFamily

Like First Penguin!, this drama also features Business, Drama, and Life themes with a 21% similarity match.

The sitcom portrays the weddings of the three daughters from the Takanabe family involved in tea cultivation, the challenges of passing down the family's tea business through generations, and the conflicts that arise between the couples. It captures the human drama within the family, showcasing moments of both joy and sorrow.

Recommendation: Madam Mari similar to First Penguin!
21%Match
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Madam Mari(伝説のマダム)

2003Japan
BusinessDramaLifeFashion Industry

Like First Penguin!, this drama also features Business, Drama, and Life themes with a 21% similarity match.

According to legend, a bride who wears a gown created by the renowned designer Madam Mari on her wedding day will discover genuine happiness. Reiko, a young advertising professional who is engaged to marry a colleague, decides to have her wedding dress made by Madam Mari after hearing about the legend. However, her initial meeting with the dressmaker doesn't go as planned, leading to unexpected changes in her life. Soon, Reiko finds herself working as an assistant to Madam Mari, who designs unique dresses for clients seeking happiness in their love lives. The series showcases different clients coming to Madam Mari with romantic challenges and receiving one-of-a-kind dresses that help them find true love. The story revolves around the pragmatic and sometimes skeptical Mari and the optimistic Reiko, who believes in love and dreams of marital bliss. This tale is not just for women in search of happiness, but for anyone facing difficulties in life. The show also highlights the diverse wedding dresses created by the legendary dressmaker, ranging from simple and elegant to extravagant. (YTV)

Recommendation: The Perfect Path for Two 2 similar to First Penguin!
21%Match
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The Perfect Path for Two 2(夫婦道2)

2009Japan
BusinessDramaLifeFamily

Like First Penguin!, this drama also features Business, Drama, and Life themes with a 21% similarity match.

The Ideal Journey for a Pair revisits the ordinary challenges faced by a married couple as they work to raise children and manage a small tea farm. It vividly portrays the various difficulties that arise between spouses, parents and kids, siblings, and community members. The storyline continues two years after three daughters left one after the other to get married. They have now come back home with a range of marital problems to address.

Recommendation: Kimitachi ni Asu wa nai similar to First Penguin!
21%Match
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Kimitachi ni Asu wa nai(君たちに明日はない)

2010Japan
BusinessDramaLifeMiniseries

Like First Penguin!, this drama also features Business, Drama, and Life themes with a 21% similarity match.

Murakami Shinsuke is an expert in corporate consulting specializing in personnel restructuring. He strategically guides employees towards voluntary retirement through one-on-one interviews. The storyline revolves around workers who are compelled to reflect on the significance of their jobs in the midst of impending layoffs. -- NHK

Recommendation: Shitamachi Rocket Season 2 similar to First Penguin!
21%Match
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Shitamachi Rocket Season 2(下町ロケット 第2シリーズ)

2018Japan
BusinessDramaLifeNovel Adaptation

Like First Penguin!, this drama also features Business, Drama, and Life themes with a 21% similarity match.

Tsukuda Kohei, a former scientist at the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, now manages his late father's factory. He is involved in the Stardust project for developing domestic rockets, which is led by a major Japanese company. One day, Kohei learns that the company's CEO will be replaced and the Stardust project will be terminated. Naohiro, an employee at Kohei's factory, cares for his sick father and tends to his farm every weekend. When Kohei and Mitsuhiko visit Naohiro, Kohei is inspired by seeing him drive a tractor, sparking a new aspiration within him.

Recommendation: Unicorn ni Notte similar to First Penguin!
21%Match
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Unicorn ni Notte(ユニコーンに乗って)

2022Japan
BusinessCEO Female LeadDramaLifeDifficult AdulthoodMiniseriesOffice Worker Male LeadRomanceSecret CrushWorkplace Setting

Like First Penguin!, this drama also features Business, CEO Female Lead, Drama, and Life themes with a 21% similarity match.

Narukawa Sana, a young entrepreneur, established the startup "Dream Pony" specializing in educational apps at the age of 23. Despite her ambitious goal of turning "Dream Pony" into a unicorn company accessible worldwide within a decade, Narukawa has been disappointed by the lack of significant growth. Blinded by her dedication to work, Narukawa has neglected her personal life and romantic relationships. When middle-aged salaryman Kotori Satoshi joins "Dream Pony" after a career change, Narukawa initially resists him but eventually warms up as Kotori shares valuable insights from his own experiences. Meanwhile, Narukawa's co-founder Suzaki Ko harbors unrequited feelings for her, which are further complicated by Kotori's presence. The team finds themselves entangled in a complex web of work and love.

Recommendation: Genkai Shuraku Kabushiki Kaisha similar to First Penguin!
21%Match
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Genkai Shuraku Kabushiki Kaisha(限界集落株式会社)

2015Japan
DramaHardworking Female LeadLifeRural LifeNovel AdaptationDeathFarmingFather-Daughter RelationshipMiniseriesReturn To Hometown

Like First Penguin!, this drama also features Drama, Hardworking Female Lead, Life, and Rural Life themes with a 21% similarity match.

In a small village located in the Kanto region, nestled among mountains, the inhabitants along with a consultant named Shosuke Tanihara, are facing challenges in revitalizing the village's main industry of agriculture. In his younger years, Masato (portrayed by Takashi Sorimachi) experienced a setback in his attempt at organic farming, resulting in significant debt. Consequently, Masato fled to Tokyo, abandoning his parents and daughter Miho. After 13 years, Masato's father passes away. Miho (played by Mayu Matsuoka) decides to take over her grandfather's field and farm. In order to support Miho and his mother Yayoi, Masato returns to his native village.

Recommendation: Mother Game similar to First Penguin!
21%Match
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Mother Game(マザー・ゲーム~彼女たちの階級~)

2015Japan
DramaHardworking Female LeadLifeSingle MotherComedyDivorced Female LeadEmotionally Strong Female LeadFamilyFemale Centered PlotMiniseries

Like First Penguin!, this drama also features Drama, Hardworking Female Lead, Life, and Single Mother themes with a 21% similarity match.

Kanbara Kiko is a single mother who is raising her 5-year-old son on her own. In order to start a lunch box business, she relocates to her grandfather's house. Despite her efforts to enroll her son Haruto in a local nursery school, she is informed by a district office staff member that he cannot start immediately. With the pressure of opening her lunch box business the following month, Kiko faces a dilemma as she struggles to find suitable supervision for her son. During this time, Fune Naraoka, the director of a kindergarten, approaches Kiko. A month later, on Haruto's first day at the kindergarten, Kiko is overwhelmed by the sight of expensive cars and designer handbags among the other mothers. The school is known for its exclusivity. Kiko recognizes Kamiya Yuki, a former classmate from middle and high school, and attempts to engage in conversation, but Yuki dismisses her, stating that the school is not for people like Kiko. Among the other mothers, including Yano Satoko, the doctor's wife, Goto Midori, a former career woman, and Odadera Marie, the most influential mother in the school, each has their own undisclosed issues.

Recommendation: Stand By Me (2012) similar to First Penguin!
20%Match
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Stand By Me (2012)(守望的天空)

2012China
BusinessDramaLifeComedyFamily

Like First Penguin!, this drama also features Business, Drama, and Life themes with a 20% similarity match.

Pu Tao is a resilient young woman who learned to be self-reliant from a young age. Her father abandoned the family, and her mother left her at a boarding school to care for her autistic brother. After 17 years of no communication, her mother reappears, leaving Pu Tao to care for two autistic children and dealing with her father's sudden return. She must navigate the challenges of her parents' betrayal while also managing her own family issues.

Recommendation: Legend of Entrepreneurship similar to First Penguin!
20%Match
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Legend of Entrepreneurship(温州一家人)

2012China
BusinessDramaLifeFamilyRags To Riches

Like First Penguin!, this drama also features Business, Drama, and Life themes with a 20% similarity match.

A tale of the Zhou family from Wenzhou, China, depicts their rise from destitution to prosperity following a series of challenges and triumphs.

Recommendation: Our Age Of Innocence similar to First Penguin!
20%Match
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Our Age Of Innocence(我們的純真年代)

2016China
BusinessCountryside SettingDramaFamilyRomance

Like First Penguin!, this drama also features Business, Countryside Setting, and Drama themes with a 20% similarity match.

Recommendation: A Hawthorn Tree Far Away similar to First Penguin!
20%Match
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A Hawthorn Tree Far Away(远方的山楂树)

2020China
Countryside SettingDramaLife1970sYouth

Like First Penguin!, this drama also features Countryside Setting, Drama, and Life themes with a 20% similarity match.

A tale about Peng Tian Yi, a representation of the typical educated youth from the Northeast, and his life in the expansive rural area. In the 1970s, a circle of educated youths from Beijing formed a bond and courageously advocated for change amidst the changing times. Peng Tian Yi was unjustly imprisoned for protecting the work of an elderly scientist. Upon his release, he remained in the countryside to push for reform, eventually rising to become a respected intellectual of his era. (chinesedrama.info)

Recommendation: Red Flag Canal similar to First Penguin!
20%Match
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Red Flag Canal(红旗渠)

2021China
Countryside SettingDramaLife1950sVillage Setting

Like First Penguin!, this drama also features Countryside Setting, Drama, and Life themes with a 20% similarity match.

The story revolves around the residents of Lin County who come together to construct the Red Flag Canal in order to address the longstanding issue of water scarcity. During the summer and fall of 1959, Lin County faced a harsh drought, resulting in the depletion of rivers, ponds, and reservoirs. This led to crop failure and a lack of food and water for both the people and animals. Led by party secretary Yang Gui, a group of committee members from Linxian are determined to find a solution to their water crisis. Thus, the initiative to build the Red Flag Canal was launched.

Recommendation: Family on the Go 3 similar to First Penguin!
20%Match
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Family on the Go 3(温州三家人)

2021China
BusinessDramaLifeFamilyMultiple Mains

Like First Penguin!, this drama also features Business, Drama, and Life themes with a 20% similarity match.

The drama portrays the journey of entrepreneurs Xiang Cheng Hui, Lin Yi Shan, Yang Bu Zhen, and their successors as they navigate the challenges of reform and opening up in the era of the "new normal." They engage in a conflict over the location of a new base but eventually reach a peaceful resolution. Zhang Lu, a Tsinghua University student, visits Wenzhou and learns about Xiang Cheng Hui and Lin Yi Shan's advancements in the new energy industry. She ends up marrying Lin Yi Shan. Yang Bu Zhen's fashion city project garners attention online, despite facing a cold war with his celebrity wife. Xiang Cheng Hui's son, along with Pan Xiao Yong and Ireland, establish the e-commerce platform "Pin Shanggu." Meanwhile, Yang Tian Zhen and Lin Dan Feng found the "Red Wine Castle" and encounter numerous challenges. Their internet philanthropy initiatives attract a wide audience, while their personal lives are filled with drama. The three entrepreneurs venture into private banking, creating ripples in the industry. Their descendants, including Xiang Xiang, benefit from the government's strong backing of the internet sector, propelling the new generation of Wenzhou residents to the forefront of the modern era.

Recommendation: A Herbalist Affair similar to First Penguin!
20%Match
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A Herbalist Affair(情牽百子櫃)

2002Hong Kong
BusinessDramaLifeComedyRomance

Like First Penguin!, this drama also features Business, Drama, and Life themes with a 20% similarity match.

The story revolves around Cheung Yee Fai, a cautious and observant salesman, who is tasked with supervising Ng Sin Yu, his confident secretary. Unbeknownst to him, Sin Yu is actually the daughter of the company's owner. As they spend more time together, their relationship evolves into a doomed romance between a man of modest means and a wealthy woman. Meanwhile, Dr. Geung Sum Yu, a dedicated professional, rediscovers her compassion and emotions as she falls in love with Yee Fai.

Recommendation: Hidden Treasures (2004) similar to First Penguin!
20%Match
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Hidden Treasures (2004)(翻新大少)

2004Hong Kong
BusinessDramaLifeComedyRomance

Like First Penguin!, this drama also features Business, Drama, and Life themes with a 20% similarity match.

The series follows the story of Dai Siu Leung, played by Bobby Au Yeung, and the residents of Apliu Street in Hong Kong, known for their collection of valuable secondhand items referred to as "Hidden Treasures." Leung is a seller of electronic goods and also serves as the leader of the community. However, his leadership is challenged when a rival convinces the townspeople to elect him instead by spreading negative rumors about Leung. As a result, Leung faces financial difficulties and struggles to manage his electronics store, especially with his competitor opening a similar store right next to his.

Recommendation: The Drive of Life similar to First Penguin!
20%Match
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The Drive of Life(歲月風雲 / 岁月风云)

2007Hong Kong
BusinessDramaLifeFamilyRomance

Like First Penguin!, this drama also features Business, Drama, and Life themes with a 20% similarity match.

Crafted in honor of the 10th commemoration of Hong Kong's handover to China, this series delves into the intertwined past of these regions. The storyline will center on the expansion of China's automotive sector, a prominent car production corporation, and the family at its helm.

Recommendation: Shitamachi Rocket (2011) similar to First Penguin!
20%Match
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Shitamachi Rocket (2011)(下町ロケット )

2011Japan
BusinessDramaLifeNovel AdaptationMiniseries

Like First Penguin!, this drama also features Business, Drama, and Life themes with a 20% similarity match.

Tsukuda Kohei used to lead the development of a space rocket but left the Space and Astronautical Science Agency due to the rocket launch failure. He now manages Tsukuda Manufacturing, a small factory in the historic downtown area. On the other hand, Teikoku Heavy Industries unveiled plans for a homegrown rocket launch during a press event. However, the project hit a snag when Zaizen Michio, the Aerospace Division's chief, discovered that the patent for the crucial engine component technology had already been filed by Tsukuda Manufacturing. In a desperate attempt to secure the patent, Zaizen offered Tsukuda 2 billion yen. But...

Recommendation: The Beauty Salon similar to First Penguin!
20%Match
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The Beauty Salon(ザ・美容室)

2000Japan
BusinessDramaLifeHairdresser Female LeadStrong Female Lead

Like First Penguin!, this drama also features Business, Drama, and Life themes with a 20% similarity match.

In the vicinity of Hasegawa Hair Salon, a quaint shopping street will soon welcome a new establishment owned by emerging hairstylist Tatsuko O'Brien, who received training in the United States. Despite facing a decline in customers, Hasegawa Hair Salon has managed to attract male clients from the neighborhood, ultimately overcoming its challenges. Unbeknownst to many, there is a complicated history between Maya's mother, Haruko, and Tatsuko O'Brien, involving a past rivalry over a man. As Maya unravels the truth, she discovers that her biological mother is none other than Tatsuko O'Brien.

Recommendation: Kokoro (2003) similar to First Penguin!
20%Match
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Kokoro (2003)(こころ)

2003Japan
BusinessDramaHardworking Female LeadLifeAsadoraBusinesswoman Female LeadFamily RelationshipFlight Attendant Female LeadMarried Female LeadRestaurateur Supporting CharacterShort Length Series

Like First Penguin!, this drama also features Business, Drama, Hardworking Female Lead, and Life themes with a 20% similarity match.

Suenaga Kokoro, an international flight attendant, resides in Tokyo with her mother and grandmother who run a traditional restaurant in a bustling downtown area where customs and traditions are deeply rooted, and residents have a strong sense of community. This narrative chronicles a challenging year in Kokoro's life as she transitions from a single woman to a wife, stepmother, widow, and entrepreneur deeply connected to her family and neighbors. Kokoro shares their challenges and aspirations as she faces her own hardships and prospers despite adversity. While the internet is replacing traditional communities, places like Asakusa and individuals like Kokoro strive to preserve their warmth and values. Though Kokoro's world is distinctly Japanese, people worldwide will relate to her emotions of joy and sorrow as they are captivated by this touching story of love and loss, resilience and perseverance.

Recommendation: Motto Koi Seyo Otome similar to First Penguin!
20%Match
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Motto Koi Seyo Otome(もっと恋セヨ乙女)

2004Japan
BusinessDramaLifeRomanceYorudora

Like First Penguin!, this drama also features Business, Drama, and Life themes with a 20% similarity match.

Yuko Amano, employed at a food company and the daughter of rice shop owners, does not have much luck in her life. At the same time, the group of men that Sachiko instantly fell for began appearing weekly, each one trying to establish a romantic connection.

Recommendation: Kurumi Yohin Ten similar to First Penguin!
20%Match
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Kurumi Yohin Ten(くるみ洋品店)

2011Japan
BusinessDramaLifeMiniseriesShort Length Series

Like First Penguin!, this drama also features Business, Drama, and Life themes with a 20% similarity match.

In a run-down shopping district, Shinoda Mariko stars as the owner of a clothing store with a unique talent for instantly knowing a customer's clothing size. The narrative will revolve around her interactions with various patrons. (Credit: JapanBullet)

Recommendation: Eigyo Bucho Kira Natsuko similar to First Penguin!
20%Match
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Eigyo Bucho Kira Natsuko(営業部長 吉良奈津子)

2016Japan
BusinessDramaHardworking Female LeadSexismAdvertising IndustryBusiness IndustryFamilyMarketing IndustryMiniseriesSocial IssuesWorkplace Setting

Like First Penguin!, this drama also features Business, Drama, Hardworking Female Lead, and Sexism themes with a 20% similarity match.

Kira Natsuko, a successful creative director at an advertising agency, took a break from her career after getting married and having a child. When she returned to work three years later, she found that Takagi Keisuke had taken over as the creative director and the agency was struggling with employee turnover. Despite her reluctance, Natsuko was assigned to the sales department instead of her preferred creative department. Balancing work and family became a challenge for her, leading her to hire a babysitter against her mother-in-law's help. However, the babysitter's presence caused tension within her family. Natsuko's confidence at work suffered, leading to frustration and eventual estrangement from her husband. She faced crises both at home and in her career.

Recommendation: Zenryoku Shissou similar to First Penguin!
20%Match
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Zenryoku Shissou(全力失踪)

2017Japan
BusinessDramaLifeFamilyMiniseries

Like First Penguin!, this drama also features Business, Drama, and Life themes with a 20% similarity match.

Isoyama Takeshi, a temporary worker at a company, receives news from his employer that he will remain on a fixed-term contract with no possibility of becoming a permanent staff member. At home, his wife Seiko and 12-year-old daughter Nanami often criticize him. Adding to his troubles, a real estate investment he made secretly ends up with unexpected consequences, leaving him struggling to keep up with mounting interest payments. Encountering a mysterious elderly woman, he hatches a plan to vanish for 7 years in order to be legally declared dead and start anew.

Recommendation: Machikouba no Onna similar to First Penguin!
20%Match
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Machikouba no Onna(マチ工場のオンナ)

2017Japan
BusinessDramaLifeFamilyMiniseries

Like First Penguin!, this drama also features Business, Drama, and Life themes with a 20% similarity match.

Arimoto Hikari, a 32-year-old woman who is married with a son, visits her father Taizo after he collapses from overworking. The doctor informs Hikari that her father only has 4 days to live. Despite her initial resistance, Hikari decides to take over her father's company as he had originally intended for her. However, she encounters challenges such as her husband traveling to America for work and facing opposition from some employees like Katsumata and Junzo. This story is inspired by Suwa Takako's novel "Machi Koba no Musume."

Recommendation: Ryosangata Riko: Mo Hitori no Puramo Joshi no Jinsei Kumitate Ki similar to First Penguin!
20%Match
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Ryosangata Riko: Mo Hitori no Puramo Joshi no Jinsei Kumitate Ki(量産型リコ -もう1人のプラモ女子の人生組み立て記-)

2023Japan
BusinessDramaLifeMiniseriesWorkplace Setting

Like First Penguin!, this drama also features Business, Drama, and Life themes with a 20% similarity match.

Komukai Riko embarks on the "Dream Crazy" project with her university peers Shinji and Asai. She presents her service idea to Inuzuka from the startup support program "Dog Run", but faces a setback when her proposal receives a critical evaluation. Additionally, she questions the term "mass production type" used by Nakano Kyoko, a member of Dog Run. Riko is encouraged to explore new ideas and stumbles upon a model shop while taking a different route than usual. With the encouragement of the shop owner, Yassan, she decides to try her hand at creating plastic models.

Recommendation: Rich Man, Poor Love similar to First Penguin!
20%Match
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Rich Man, Poor Love(钻石王老五的艰难爱情)

2007China
BusinessDramaLifeFamilyRomance

Like First Penguin!, this drama also features Business, Drama, and Life themes with a 20% similarity match.

In the city of Xing Hai, Meng Hao is a prosperous young billionaire who leads Kun Peng Real Estate. Despite being admired by many women, he has never shown any interest in romantic relationships. However, everything changes when he unexpectedly falls in love with Lin Yu Xin, who happens to be the girlfriend of his brother Meng Wei's best friend. Meng Hao's pursuit of Yu Xin causes tension with her boyfriend, Hao Liang, ultimately strengthening their bond. Tragically, Hao Liang suffers a severe injury at work and slips into a coma. Desperate to cover the medical expenses, Yu Xin turns to Meng Hao for assistance after exhausting all other options. He agrees to foot the bill on one condition: Yu Xin must be his partner or spouse for a year.

Recommendation: Cross Mountains and Seas similar to First Penguin!
20%Match
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Cross Mountains and Seas(经山历海)

2021China
Countryside SettingDramaLifeNovel AdaptationVillage Setting

Like First Penguin!, this drama also features Countryside Setting, Drama, and Life themes with a 20% similarity match.

Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, the narrative revolves around Wu Xiao Hao and He Cheng Shou, portraying them as township cadres dedicated to implementing the rural revitalization strategy to uplift the impoverished masses. Their efforts aim to transform the rural landscape, showcasing the resolute spirit of grassroots cadres. Wu Xiao Hao, responsible for cultural and historical affairs in her area, seeks a more fulfilling life by applying for the deputy mayor position in Kaipo Town, Jiaodong Peninsula. Upon assuming office, she confronts the stark contrast between her aspirations and reality, encountering unexpected challenges that lead to comical situations. Nevertheless, her sincerity, perseverance, and bravery serve as a source of inspiration for Mayor He Cheng Shou, known for his straightforward yet effective approach to governance.

Recommendation: Shitamachi Rocket similar to First Penguin!
20%Match
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Shitamachi Rocket(下町ロケット)

2015Japan
BusinessDramaLifeNovel AdaptationMiniseries

Like First Penguin!, this drama also features Business, Drama, and Life themes with a 20% similarity match.

Kohei Tsukuda used to work for the Aerospace and Science Exploration Agency before taking over his father's small factory, Tsukuda Industries. Despite facing challenges in his relationship with his daughter Rina, Tsukuda Industries has seen some improvement in its operations. However, Tsukuda's focus on developing a rocket engine has led to a decline in business. The situation worsens when a major client suddenly decides to stop working with Tsukuda Industries and the company gets sued by a competitor, Nakashima Industries, for patent infringement. This results in damage to Tsukuda Industries' reputation and financial struggles with banks. In the midst of these difficulties, Teikoku Heavy Industries offers to purchase a patent held by Tsukuda Industries for 2 billion yen.

Recommendation: Love Yourself similar to First Penguin!
19%Match
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Love Yourself(他其实没有那么爱你)

2020China
DramaHardworking Female LeadLifeSingle MotherAmbitious Female LeadCity SettingEmotionally Strong Female LeadFemale Centered PlotFriendshipRomanceSismanceTalent Manager Female Lead

Like First Penguin!, this drama also features Drama, Hardworking Female Lead, Life, and Single Mother themes with a 19% similarity match.

The story revolves around the lives of four women in their thirties as they navigate through a pivotal period in Shanghai. Striving for personal growth and independence, they eventually form strong bonds of friendship and find love. However, as they enter their thirties, their lives take unexpected turns. Sun Yi He, a confident TV producer, struggles with matters of the heart. Wang Xin Yi, a single mother and fitness coach, learns more about herself while contemplating a new relationship. Ding Ding, an ambitious manager, aims to lead her trainees to success in the music industry. Meanwhile, Ren Ran, a corporate executive, realizes her desire for love and the challenges of holding onto it.

Recommendation: The Ideal City similar to First Penguin!
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The Ideal City(理想之城)

2021China
BusinessDramaHardworking Female LeadLifeNovel AdaptationArchitecture IndustryCharacter DevelopmentConstruction IndustryEngineer Female LeadRomanceWorkplace SettingWorkplace Violence

Like First Penguin!, this drama also features Business, Drama, Hardworking Female Lead, and Life themes with a 19% similarity match.

The narrative follows the experiences of a cost engineer working in an architectural company and her development in a predominantly male-dominated field in China. Su Xiao, at the height of her professional success, falls in love with Xia Ming but faces setbacks that lead to her suppression and demotion. With the support of her father, she rebuilds her self-assurance, endures immense challenges, and advocates for her career advancement. (Baidu)

Recommendation: Wang Gui and Anna similar to First Penguin!
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Wang Gui and Anna(王贵与安娜)

2008China
Countryside SettingDramaLifeNovel AdaptationFamilyRomance

Like First Penguin!, this drama also features Countryside Setting, Drama, and Life themes with a 19% similarity match.

Based on the book written by Liu Liu, this adaptation...

Recommendation: Qeshqerdiki Hekaye similar to First Penguin!
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Qeshqerdiki Hekaye(قەشقەردىكى ھىكايە)

2016China
DramaLifeRural LifeArrogant Male LeadEntrepreneur Male LeadFamily

Like First Penguin!, this drama also features Drama, Life, and Rural Life themes with a 19% similarity match.

The narrative depicts the daily routine of the Qadir family living in the countryside of Kashgar

Recommendation: Caseworker's Diary similar to First Penguin!
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Caseworker's Diary(健康で文化的な最低限度の生活)

2018Japan
BusinessDramaLifeAdapted From A MangaMiniseriesSocial Issues

Like First Penguin!, this drama also features Business, Drama, and Life themes with a 19% similarity match.

Emiru Yoshitsune, a 22-year-old newcomer in the field of social work, is tasked with assisting individuals in need of public aid

Recommendation: Love Story 2021 similar to First Penguin!
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Love Story 2021(二龙湖爱情故事2021)

2021China
Countryside SettingDramaRural LifeComedyRomanceVillage Setting

Like First Penguin!, this drama also features Countryside Setting, Drama, and Rural Life themes with a 19% similarity match.

The enduring love story between Zhang Lidong and Wang Chunhua is nearing its end. Just as Wang Chunhua's long-lost father, Wang Zhongde, reappears, Li Tiegang sees an opportunity to impress his potential future father-in-law to win Wang Chunhua's affection. In an attempt to discourage Li Tiegang, his sister Xiaomei introduces him to one of her university classmates. However, unexpected challenges continue to strain Zhang Lidong and Wang Chunhua's relationship.

Recommendation: Liu Lao Gen Season 4 similar to First Penguin!
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Liu Lao Gen Season 4(刘老根4)

2021China
Countryside SettingDramaRural LifeComedyVillage SettingWeb Series

Like First Penguin!, this drama also features Countryside Setting, Drama, and Rural Life themes with a 19% similarity match.

A year after the stage was established, business flourished. Liu Lao Gen, after recovering, was impressed by the growth of the folk orchestra. In the villa, Da Kui aimed to select a new general manager to replace the departed Han Shi Xin, leading to a conflict. Meanwhile, Liu Lao Gen attempted to test the medicine box to collaborate with the big pepper, but his efforts backfired, causing misunderstandings among the villa residents. Song Xiao Bao, portraying the character Song, applied to be Liu Lao Gen's nanny. The stewed tofu she made during the interview impressed Liu Lao Gen, who allowed her to stay. Thus, Liu Lao Gen, Da Jiao, and Lao Song Tou began living together. Lin Geng Xin, disguised as a bank employee, entered the villa and was reluctantly set up on a blind date with Shan Shan. A series of amusing and entertaining events unfolded in the small village.

Recommendation: Once Again (2024) similar to First Penguin!
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Once Again (2024)(好运家)

2024China
DramaLifeSmall BusinessFamilyFamily BusinessFamily Relationship

Like First Penguin!, this drama also features Drama, Life, and Small Business themes with a 19% similarity match.

The Luo household, a mixed family residing on Good Fortune Lane, is made up of a widowed father raising twins, a divorced mother with a daughter, and their young daughter from their union

Recommendation: Bright Future (2022) similar to First Penguin!
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Bright Future (2022)(县委大院)

2022China
Countryside SettingDramaRural LifePropagandaTravelingVillage Setting

Like First Penguin!, this drama also features Countryside Setting, Drama, and Rural Life themes with a 19% similarity match.

In a tale of community-driven initiatives, Mei Xiao Ge and his team come together to enhance Guangming County. Just before the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, Mei Xiao Ge assumes the role of governor in Guangming County, working alongside Lv Qingshan, the County Party Committee Secretary, and Ai Xian Zhi, the Deputy Secretary. Facing pressing needs for improvement and progress in Guangming County, Mei Xiao Ge's strong emotional intelligence helps him navigate challenges with his colleagues and persevere through tough situations. Embarking on a journey across numerous villages in the county, Mei Xiao Ge, now the county party committee secretary, focuses on driving reforms among officials, advocating for eco-friendly development, prioritizing residents' well-being and environmental protection, and enhancing education. Through the concerted efforts of the county party committee, Guangming County ultimately achieves its goal of overcoming poverty and fostering sustainable growth. As young officials gain valuable experience and training, they work to bridge the gap between officials and the community.

Recommendation: The Swimsuit Saga similar to First Penguin!
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The Swimsuit Saga(乘风踏浪)

2024China
BusinessDramaLifeComedyFamilySlight Romance

Like First Penguin!, this drama also features Business, Drama, and Life themes with a 19% similarity match.

Recommendation: Welkame similar to First Penguin!
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Welkame(ウェルかめ)

2009Japan
BusinessDramaLifeAsadoraFamilyShort Length Series

Like First Penguin!, this drama also features Business, Drama, and Life themes with a 19% similarity match.

The 81st NHK Asadora introduces a new series titled Welkame. The plot follows Nami, a young woman who grew up in a minshuku. After moving to Tokyo for a job at a magazine company, she unexpectedly loses her position and is forced to return to her hometown, where she must navigate relationships with her family and old friends.

Recommendation: Cao Yuan Shang You Feng similar to First Penguin!
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Cao Yuan Shang You Feng(草原上有风)

2025China
Countryside SettingDramaLifeFilmed VerticallyShort Length SeriesWeb Series

Like First Penguin!, this drama also features Countryside Setting, Drama, and Life themes with a 19% similarity match.

Recommendation: Teinen Joshi similar to First Penguin!
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Teinen Joshi(定年女子)

2017Japan
BusinessDramaLifeComedyFriendshipMiniseries

Like First Penguin!, this drama also features Business, Drama, and Life themes with a 19% similarity match.

The head of the Corporate Social Responsibility department at Kadokura Trading, 53-year-old Miyama Asako, is enthusiastic about a new project to establish schools in villages across Asia. However, she receives unexpected news from the senior managing director that she will be reassigned to the foods business as an advisor due to the company's policy of rotating managers at a certain age. Despite not having the freedom to choose her new role, Asako is fully occupied with various responsibilities and neglects her personal appearance. Through this process, she gradually recognizes the actions she needs to take to benefit society.

Recommendation: Fruits Takuhaibin similar to First Penguin!
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Fruits Takuhaibin(フルーツ宅配便)

2019Japan
BusinessDramaLifeAdapted From A MangaProstitutionSex Industry

Like First Penguin!, this drama also features Business, Drama, and Life themes with a 19% similarity match.

Following the closure of the company where SAKITA was previously employed, he decides to move back to his hometown in a smaller city to establish a new venture as the manager of an escort agency called "Fruits Delivery Service." This series revolves around a group of women who, due to financial struggles and difficult circumstances, find themselves working in this line of business. The show delves into the societal issues and challenges faced by these women, prompting viewers to reflect on how to address inequalities in society.

Recommendation: Riders: Catch Tomorrow similar to First Penguin!
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Riders: Catch Tomorrow(라이더스: 내일을 잡아라)

2015South Korea
BusinessDramaLifeFriends To LoversFriendshipRomance

Like First Penguin!, this drama also features Business, Drama, and Life themes with a 19% similarity match.

Cha Ki Joon is a highly educated young man who embarks on his career with an impressive entry-level position at a major company. However, he finds himself dissatisfied with his life. In a spontaneous decision, Ki Joon chooses to resign from his job and launch a new venture alongside his childhood friends, Yoon So Dam and Go Tae Ra. So Dam has been juggling various part-time positions while pursuing her dream of becoming an illustrator. Tae Ra, a former competitive cyclist, opts to join Ki Joon in his entrepreneurial endeavor, which involves creating rickshaws of all things. As the trio navigates the challenges of adulthood, evolving friendships, and emerging romantic connections, can their unconventional business thrive?