Golden Boy

Kintaro Oe is a 25-year-old who left Tokyo University and decided to live life on his own terms, pedaling from town to town on a bicycle while taking odd jobs to fund his travels. He picks up practical skills, gets into awkward and often hilarious situations, and throws himself into work with an infectious enthusiasm. Kintaro has a habit of flattering the women he meets, which creates comic misunderstandings but also gives him chances to learn and grow. Episodes are short, punchy, and built around character interactions rather than a single long plot, so each installment stands on its own without giving away later developments.

Released in 1995, the animated series adapts Tatsuya Egawa's original manga and features Mitsuo Iwata as the voice of Kintaro, with Gorō Naya providing narration. The production keeps a brisk pace and a simple visual style that matches the show's humor.

The series didn't collect major industry awards, yet it earned a loyal international audience after home video and fan circulation. While not an awards-season staple, it maintained steady appreciation among anime fans and ranked well in viewer polls, helping sustain interest in Egawa's work.

Golden Boy left a clear mark on 90s anime comedy with its mix of bawdy humor and earnest physicality. Fans often point to Kintaro's exaggerated expressions and slapstick mishaps as signature moments. The show influenced later adult-oriented comedies by showing how far you can push situational embarrassment while keeping a likeable lead.

Critical reception tended to praise the show's energy, strong voice work, and willingness to be silly without becoming mean-spirited. It scored well with viewers, averaging about 8.17 out of 10 from community votes, and its themes orbit around learning through hands-on effort, personal curiosity, and an unpretentious work ethic, all delivered with a wink and plenty of laughs.