Centers around the titular character, a small boy who gets into different situations with those around him. Each strip is done in four vertical panels in two rows (eight panels in all), read from right to left. The presence of Akatsuka's "Star System" concept is prominent especially in the later strips, as some notable characters are added into Ken-chan's supporting cast. The work proved to be a challenge for Akatsuka, who was restricted from depicting children committing bad acts that wouldn't be punished, or having them be rude or fight in general.