In the midst of Japan's Edo period, a young man named Isobe Isobee dreams of one day becoming a respectable samurai. There is only one thing standing in his way: his own overwhelming laziness. Rather than dedicate himself to rigorous training or scholarly study, Isobee spends his days lounging around his home, taking naps whenever the opportunity arises, and idling away the hours. He lives with his mother, who holds a very high opinion of him, seemingly oblivious to his slothful habits. He attends school, but even there, he is more likely to be found sleeping than learning. In secret, he also indulges in sneaking glances at Edo-period pornography, an activity he must carefully conceal from his mother.

The setting is a fictionalized version of historical Japan, a world populated by samurai, townspeople, and other eccentric characters. The narrative unfolds through extremely short, rapid-fire episodes, each a self-contained comedic vignette that highlights the stark contrast between Isobee's lofty ambitions and his decidedly unambitious daily reality. His futile attempts to avoid effort and responsibility are the primary source of humor.

Isobe Isobee Monogatari ~Ukiyo wa Tsurai yo~ features a small but memorable cast. The protagonist, Isobee, voiced by Daiki Yamashita, is the quintessential lazy slacker whose plans for greatness are constantly undermined by his own inertia. His mother, the only person who seems to believe in his potential, frequently appears to check on him, much to his chagrin. His acquaintances include his friend Jou Nakajima, voiced by Ayumu Murase, and the historical figure Gennai Hiraga, brought to life by Takashi Matsuyama, who add to the absurd situations.

This ONA series debuted on December 12, 2015, and continued into 2016, consisting of 33 episodes each running approximately 30 seconds in length. The series is known for its distinctive ukiyo-e inspired art style, which mimics traditional Japanese woodblock prints, adding a unique visual charm to its gag-driven comedy. The narrative is purely episodic, with each brief installment depicting a new, humorous failure in Isobee's quest to do absolutely nothing, showcasing the hard life of a dreamer who wishes to achieve everything by applying as little effort as possible.