"Meiji Gekken: 1874" is set in Japan during the Meiji Restoration, a period marked by rapid modernization and the clash between traditional samurai values and Western influences. The story centers on Shizuma Orikasa, a former samurai struggling to adapt to the societal changes brought about by the new Meiji government. After losing his family and status, Shizuma becomes a rickshaw puller in Tokyo, living a life of hardship and anonymity. His quiet existence is disrupted when he encounters a young woman named Sumie Kanomata, who is being pursued by assassins. Sumie is revealed to be the daughter of a prominent figure targeted by a shadowy organization seeking to destabilize the government.

Shizuma reluctantly becomes Sumie's protector, drawing on his swordsmanship skills to fend off attackers. As the two navigate the dangers of Tokyo, they uncover a conspiracy involving corrupt officials, rogue samurai, and foreign agents aiming to exploit Japan's transition for their own gain. Shizuma's past as a samurai and his unresolved guilt over his family's fate become central to the narrative, as he is forced to confront his own ideals and the changing world around him. Sumie, meanwhile, evolves from a sheltered noblewoman into a determined ally, driven by her desire to protect her family and her country.

The series explores themes of loyalty, honor, and the cost of progress, set against the backdrop of a society in flux. Supporting characters, such as Shizuma's former comrades and rival swordsmen, add depth to the story, highlighting the diverse perspectives on the era's upheaval. The plot intertwines personal struggles with broader political intrigue, culminating in a climactic confrontation that tests Shizuma's resolve and his ability to reconcile his past with the demands of the present. Through its historical setting and character-driven narrative, "Meiji Gekken: 1874" offers a grounded portrayal of a transformative period in Japanese history.