In the anime Otogi Zoshi, Kintarou is a young boy whose role and demeanor shift significantly between the two distinct story arcs. In the first arc, set during the Heian period, Kintarou is introduced as a child who joins the protagonist Hikaru on her quest to retrieve the five legendary magatama stones. Within this group, he is distinguished by his freakishly strong physical abilities, which stand in stark contrast to his youthful and innocent appearance. Despite being a child, he proves to be a valuable and capable member of the team, playing his part in the battles and challenges they face on their journey. His nature in this era is generally that of a precocious and enjoyable companion to the other characters.

Following the dramatic conclusion of the Heian story arc, the narrative abruptly shifts to modern-day Tokyo, where the souls of the original characters are reincarnated. In this new setting, Kintarou is once again a little boy, living as a tenant in an apartment complex called Minamoto Heights, where Hikaru is the landlady. His role in the group dynamic changes considerably in the Tokyo arc. While he was a surprisingly strong ally in the past, the modern incarnation of Kintarou is portrayed as a more problematic and less sympathetic figure. He is described as a useless and annoyingly grating brat, and it is noted that he is often subjected to bullying. This portrayal marks a significant departure from his earlier character, as he no longer contributes to the group with his strength but instead becomes a source of frustration and a secondary character in the unfolding urban mysteries.

Throughout both halves of the series, Kintarou's relationships with the other core members of the group are central to his role. He is a consistent part of the ensemble that includes Hikaru, her loyal guardian Tsuna, the archer Usui Sadamitsu, and the enigmatic Urabe. In the Heian arc, he is one of the heroes who survives the cataclysmic events that lead to the destruction of the capital, alongside Sadamitsu, and is present to witness the aftermath of Hikaru's disappearance. His motivation in the first arc is tied to the group's quest, while in the Tokyo arc, his motivations are less clearly defined, and his presence serves more to illustrate the darker, more mundane struggles of life in the city. Kintarou's personal development across the series is thus not a traditional growth arc but rather a radical recontextualization; he transforms from a supernaturally strong child in a legendary past to an ordinary, troubled boy in the present, showcasing the stark contrast between the two worlds depicted in Otogi Zoshi.