"Golden Boy" centers on Kintaro Oe, a 25-year-old free-spirited wanderer with an insatiable curiosity and a knack for learning. Despite his unassuming appearance and eccentric behavior, Kintaro is a genius who dropped out of law school after mastering multiple disciplines. He travels across Japan on his bicycle, taking on various odd jobs to gain life experience and understand the world from different perspectives. Each job introduces him to new people, challenges, and moral dilemmas, often involving women who become central to the episodic narratives.

The series is structured as a collection of self-contained stories, with Kintaro moving from one workplace to another. His jobs range from working as a software programmer for a tech company to becoming a swimming instructor, a chef, and even a political campaign assistant. In each role, Kintaro’s unconventional methods and genuine empathy lead to unexpected outcomes, often resolving personal or professional crises for those around him. His interactions with female characters, who are frequently portrayed as strong, independent, or struggling with societal expectations, form the emotional core of many episodes. These relationships are marked by humor, misunderstandings, and occasional romantic tension, though Kintaro’s intentions remain pure and driven by his desire to help others.

Kintaro’s character is defined by his boundless energy, optimism, and a childlike sense of wonder. Despite his brilliance, he often appears naive or clumsy, which contrasts with his ability to solve complex problems and inspire those he meets. The series balances comedic elements with moments of introspection, exploring themes of personal growth, societal norms, and the value of diverse experiences. While the tone is predominantly lighthearted, it occasionally delves into more serious issues, such as workplace exploitation, gender dynamics, and the pressures of modern life.

The supporting cast varies with each story arc, but recurring characters include Kintaro’s former classmates and mentors, who occasionally reappear to provide context or contrast to his journey. The episodic nature of the series allows for a wide range of settings and scenarios, showcasing Kintaro’s adaptability and the diversity of human experiences. Through his adventures, "Golden Boy" presents a humorous yet thoughtful exploration of life’s challenges and the importance of empathy, curiosity, and resilience.