

© KSSwww.crunchyroll.com
Overview
GOLDEN BOY, a seminal 1995 Japanese anime series produced by KSS, masterfully blends adventure, comedy, and ecchi elements into an unforgettable Original Video Animation (OVA) experience. The narrative centers on Kintarou Oe, a highly unconventional 25-year-old individual who, despite possessing a genius-level intellect, made the deliberate choice to drop out of a prestigious law school. Eschewing a conventional career path, Kintarou embarks on a peripatetic journey across Japan, traveling by bicycle and undertaking a myriad of part-time jobs. His self-proclaimed mission is to gain a deeper understanding of life, society, and, notably, the intricacies of women. Each of the six episodes plunges Kintarou into distinct professional environments, ranging from complex computer programming to the demanding culinary arts, where his remarkable adaptability, innate talent, and unwavering determination are consistently put on display. Throughout his adventures, he encounters a diverse gallery of strong-willed female characters whose interactions invariably lead to uproarious comedic situations, often fueled by Kintarou's overtly perverted yet fundamentally good-natured and earnest personality. The series is celebrated for its distinctive fusion of energetic slapstick humor, mature adult comedy, and surprisingly poignant, heartfelt moments, offering genuine insight into Kintarou's philosophy of "study" as an all-encompassing, lifelong pursuit that extends far beyond academic confines. Its vibrant, picturesque settings, coupled with a dynamic animation style characteristic of mid-1990s OVA productions, and the memorable, often hilarious, character interactions, collectively contribute to its enduring popularity and cult status. GOLDEN BOY's ingenious episodic format ensures that each installment delivers a self-contained, engaging story arc, consistently enriched with subtle character growth and insightful social commentary, rendering it both exceptionally entertaining and profoundly thought-provoking.
Opinion
The GOLDEN BOY OVA series stands as a remarkable example of 1990s animation, skillfully navigating the complexities of comedic ecchi content while grounding its narrative in an unexpectedly thoughtful and philosophical core. The animation style, a clear product of its mid-90s era, is characterized by its vibrant color palette, fluid character movements, and exaggerated expressions that perfectly amplify both the slapstick humor and the occasional emotional beats. This visual approach creates a distinct aesthetic that remains charmingly nostalgic. Takahiro Sakurai's voice portrayal of Kintarou Oe is a standout, capturing the protagonist's unique blend of genius, perversion, and genuine earnestness, making him a truly memorable and surprisingly relatable figure. The episodic story pacing is highly effective, allowing each installment to introduce Kintarou to new professional and social challenges, which he tackles with his signature blend of resourcefulness and comedic ineptitude. This structure ensures a consistently engaging viewing experience, with each self-contained narrative contributing to Kintarou's overarching 'study' of life. Character development, particularly for Kintarou, is subtly yet effectively handled. Through his interactions with the diverse and often formidable female leads, different facets of his personality—his innocence, persistence, kindness, and unwavering curiosity—are revealed, pushing him towards personal growth. The supporting cast, though appearing briefly, are well-defined and serve as catalysts for Kintarou's learning experiences. Thematically, the series delves beyond its surface-level adult comedy, exploring concepts of unconventional learning, human connection, perseverance in the face of adversity, and the pursuit of knowledge outside traditional academic pathways. This balance of risqué humor with insightful commentary on personal growth and societal observation solidifies GOLDEN BOY's position as an influential and uniquely engaging anime.
Characters
Noriko
Voice: Ayako Kawasumi
Naoko Katsuda
Voice: Yuko Mizutani
Kintarou Oe
Voice: Takahiro Sakurai
Madame President
Voice: Junko Iwao
Credits
Studio
KSS
Cover Art
N/A
Publisher
Shueisha (manga publisher)
Producers
KSS, APPP