Set in the last days of the Edo period in Kyoto amongst the Shinsengumi, the guardians of the imperial capital, there is one man who shows outstanding skill as a swordsman. He is Kanichiro Yoshimura, an economic refugee from the famine in Northern Japan. His one sole pre-occupation is self preservation, to allow him to earn enough money to send home to his starving family. His fellow samurai scorn him for his dishonourable, mercenary ways. Foremost amongst his antagonists is Saito, one of the leading figures in the group.

As the Kyoto government of the time disintegrates into civil war the Shinsengumi are called upon to defend their clan against the superior government troops and Kanichiro distinguishes himself time and time again in mortal combat, earning the respect of his fellow samurai and the friendship of Saito.

Told in retrospective by the dual memories of Kanichiro's grandson, from tales told by his father and those of an elderly, deteriorating Saito. When The Last Sword Is Drawn is a stirring, stylish and evocative look at the last days of a dying breed of men who held honour above all else.