Movie
Description
Hajime Saitō is a non-commissioned officer serving in the United Nations Cosmo Marines, whose background is explored in the film Space Battleship Yamato 2199: Odyssey of the Celestial Ark. He bears a distinctive star-shaped scar on his left cheek, an injury sustained during his military service. Prior to the events of the film, Saitō was stationed on Earth's moon with the 7th Regiment when their base was attacked by Garmillas forces. The assault resulted in heavy casualties, including the death of his close friend, Colonel Goro Kiryu. As the highest-ranking survivor, Saitō confronted Admiral Ryu Hijikata aboard the evacuation ship Kirishima, his anger over the delayed rescue and loss of his comrades compelling the admiral to reveal the existence of the Yamato as Earth's final hope.
Later in the year 2199, Saitō was transferred to riot control duty in an underground city in Earth's Far East Sector. Tasked with suppressing civil unrest driven by worsening living conditions, his frustration at being forced to fire upon fellow citizens grew. This dissatisfaction drove him to breach the command center of the UN Space Planning Office, where he once again confronted Admiral Hijikata and Chief Executive Heikuro Todo, demanding answers.
Saitō is defined by a fierce loyalty to the Cosmo Marines and to the values of his military branch. When he perceives that his comrades or the reputation of the service are being disrespected or neglected, he does not let protocol or rank prevent him from voicing his indignation. This forthright and aggressive attitude, while challenging to authority, quietly impresses Admiral Hijikata, who seems to appreciate Saitō’s direct nature. Despite his gruff and confrontational exterior, a more playful and protective side emerges in his relationship with Mikage Kiryu, the daughter of his fallen friend, whom he treats like a younger sister.
Saitō’s role in the story is as a representative of the hard-pressed ground forces of the Cosmo Marines, whose sacrifices and struggles often go unnoticed by the naval crews operating the fleet’s capital ships. His confrontations with the Yamato's command staff serve to highlight the tensions between different branches of the military and the desperation of Earth's situation. His development involves a shift from a purely reactive and frustrated officer to one who plays a key role in the fight against extraterrestrial threats. By 2202, he has been promoted to commander of the UNCM 5th Regiment, stationed on the Eleventh Planet in the outer reaches of the solar system. His notable abilities lie in ground combat and leadership, as he is shown to be a capable commander of marine forces, leading his troops in desperate defensive actions and coordinating survival efforts under enemy siege.
Later in the year 2199, Saitō was transferred to riot control duty in an underground city in Earth's Far East Sector. Tasked with suppressing civil unrest driven by worsening living conditions, his frustration at being forced to fire upon fellow citizens grew. This dissatisfaction drove him to breach the command center of the UN Space Planning Office, where he once again confronted Admiral Hijikata and Chief Executive Heikuro Todo, demanding answers.
Saitō is defined by a fierce loyalty to the Cosmo Marines and to the values of his military branch. When he perceives that his comrades or the reputation of the service are being disrespected or neglected, he does not let protocol or rank prevent him from voicing his indignation. This forthright and aggressive attitude, while challenging to authority, quietly impresses Admiral Hijikata, who seems to appreciate Saitō’s direct nature. Despite his gruff and confrontational exterior, a more playful and protective side emerges in his relationship with Mikage Kiryu, the daughter of his fallen friend, whom he treats like a younger sister.
Saitō’s role in the story is as a representative of the hard-pressed ground forces of the Cosmo Marines, whose sacrifices and struggles often go unnoticed by the naval crews operating the fleet’s capital ships. His confrontations with the Yamato's command staff serve to highlight the tensions between different branches of the military and the desperation of Earth's situation. His development involves a shift from a purely reactive and frustrated officer to one who plays a key role in the fight against extraterrestrial threats. By 2202, he has been promoted to commander of the UNCM 5th Regiment, stationed on the Eleventh Planet in the outer reaches of the solar system. His notable abilities lie in ground combat and leadership, as he is shown to be a capable commander of marine forces, leading his troops in desperate defensive actions and coordinating survival efforts under enemy siege.