TV-Series
Description
Hajime Saitō serves as the company commander of the Space Cavalry 1st Armored Division, a unit originally stationed on Planet 11. His background is defined by a devastating assault from the Comet Empire, during which he and his unit fought a desperate defensive battle before being rescued by the starship Yamato. This event forces him and his remaining soldiers to become passengers aboard the very ship that saved them, a circumstance that deeply shapes his initial demeanor.
Saitō possesses an uncouth and belligerent personality, often refusing to show respect to the Yamato’s crew and engaging in frequent confrontations. This combative nature, however, stems from frustration at his diminished role as a rescued soldier rather than a purely antagonistic disposition. He is marked by a fierce and loyal protectiveness toward Earth, a trait that overrides his more negative qualities in critical moments. A significant flaw is his deep distrust of aliens, a xenophobia born from watching many of his fellow soldiers die at the hands of the Comet Empire's forces. This suspicion once led to a physical altercation with Daisuke Shima, which was broken up by Dr. Sakezo Sado.
Saitō’s primary motivation is to fight against the Comet Empire and defend his home planet. His role in the story evolves from that of a resentful passenger to a crucial asset in ground combat operations. He and his soldiers repeatedly prove their value in hostile environments, including the surface of the planet Telezart, inside the flagship of their former enemy Dessler, and within the Comet Empire’s massive space station. A key relationship is his rivalry with Susumu Kodai, which often puts the two at odds until they eventually develop a mutual respect and become friends. This friendship is solidified during their final mission together.
The character’s most notable development occurs during the final battle against the Comet Empire. As part of a boarding party infiltrating the enemy's mobile city base, Saitō becomes the last surviving member of his team. In a decisive act of sacrifice, he chooses to stay behind to plant and detonate explosives within the empire's power center. He is fatally shot by enemy soldiers but succeeds in dealing a crippling blow to the Comet Empire, securing victory for the mission and giving his life for Earth. Saitō’s notable abilities reflect his role as a frontline soldier; he is highly skilled in hand-to-hand combat, being a master of judo, karate, and wrestling.
Saitō possesses an uncouth and belligerent personality, often refusing to show respect to the Yamato’s crew and engaging in frequent confrontations. This combative nature, however, stems from frustration at his diminished role as a rescued soldier rather than a purely antagonistic disposition. He is marked by a fierce and loyal protectiveness toward Earth, a trait that overrides his more negative qualities in critical moments. A significant flaw is his deep distrust of aliens, a xenophobia born from watching many of his fellow soldiers die at the hands of the Comet Empire's forces. This suspicion once led to a physical altercation with Daisuke Shima, which was broken up by Dr. Sakezo Sado.
Saitō’s primary motivation is to fight against the Comet Empire and defend his home planet. His role in the story evolves from that of a resentful passenger to a crucial asset in ground combat operations. He and his soldiers repeatedly prove their value in hostile environments, including the surface of the planet Telezart, inside the flagship of their former enemy Dessler, and within the Comet Empire’s massive space station. A key relationship is his rivalry with Susumu Kodai, which often puts the two at odds until they eventually develop a mutual respect and become friends. This friendship is solidified during their final mission together.
The character’s most notable development occurs during the final battle against the Comet Empire. As part of a boarding party infiltrating the enemy's mobile city base, Saitō becomes the last surviving member of his team. In a decisive act of sacrifice, he chooses to stay behind to plant and detonate explosives within the empire's power center. He is fatally shot by enemy soldiers but succeeds in dealing a crippling blow to the Comet Empire, securing victory for the mission and giving his life for Earth. Saitō’s notable abilities reflect his role as a frontline soldier; he is highly skilled in hand-to-hand combat, being a master of judo, karate, and wrestling.