The story takes place during Japan's great civil war Sengoku period, beginning in the summer of 1581 and ending two years later.

An ancient prophecy says three mystical Demon Blades from three different ninja clans can end Nobunaga's unholy campaign.

The story follows Kasumi no Ayanosuke, a young kunoichi (female ninja) who has escaped her village's annihilation, in her heroic efforts to reunite these three sacred weapons use them to kill Nobunaga.

Other media and items for the series included two soundtracks released on CD by Victor Musical Industries, Inc. in 1987–1988,[15][16] two artbooks, a line of collectible phone cards, and a large number of minor merchandise such as calendars, posters, postcards, etc.

[17] According to a 1997 review by EX, "For a complex, intelligent, and entertaining historical period anime, YOTODEN remains difficult to beat.