Description
Takahito Saionji commands the Mobile Rescue Police, leading disaster and emergency response operations utilizing advanced Drive Head technology. He wields full authority over rescue missions and public relations, frequently appearing in media to represent the organization, such as on Akasaka TV where he protected driver identities. His critical responsibilities include approving decisive actions during missions, like authorizing the Hyper Shot Gun for rescues. Saionji maintains a calm, practical demeanor during crises, earning subordinates' respect through reliable decision-making.
As uncle and guardian to Drive Head 02 pilot Taiga Yagura, Saionji shares a longstanding friendship with Chief Engineer Jō Kurumada, dating back to their collaborative school days; they continue their partnership within the Mobile Rescue Police. He demonstrates concern for team members, evident when he worried about Arisa Munakata during her intense Synchro Fusion training.
Trapped with Regal Crown president Maruyama during an Evil AI attack at the oil plant, Saionji defended them with a metal pipe before rescue by Taiga piloting the upgraded Brave Backdraft. He later investigated the Black Chips and their psychological effects after witnessing colleagues succumb to corruption. In the final battle against the axis-shifting Evil AI Ark, Saionji monitored events alongside Kurumada from the command center.
Within the movie continuity, Saionji coordinated the response to the Evil AI's android, Terra. After Terra corrupted the Drive Gears' Justice Circuits, he grounded the original child pilots and secured temporary pilots from the Mobile Assault Police. He accompanied Gou Kurumada to locate the missing Cyclone Interceptor and prioritized Kasumi Haruno's rescue when Terra trapped her, ordering attacks halted for her safety. Observing Karigari's unauthorized Cyclone Interceptor modifications with skepticism, he nonetheless witnessed its successful deployment against Terra.
Following the Tower of Babel incident, Saionji oversaw the Drive Head Mk-III upgrade initiative during the web series, discussing new plans with Kurumada and the drivers as the world recovered from axis-shift weather anomalies. He maintained operational oversight throughout this period, including the transition to advanced models like Master Backdraft.
As uncle and guardian to Drive Head 02 pilot Taiga Yagura, Saionji shares a longstanding friendship with Chief Engineer Jō Kurumada, dating back to their collaborative school days; they continue their partnership within the Mobile Rescue Police. He demonstrates concern for team members, evident when he worried about Arisa Munakata during her intense Synchro Fusion training.
Trapped with Regal Crown president Maruyama during an Evil AI attack at the oil plant, Saionji defended them with a metal pipe before rescue by Taiga piloting the upgraded Brave Backdraft. He later investigated the Black Chips and their psychological effects after witnessing colleagues succumb to corruption. In the final battle against the axis-shifting Evil AI Ark, Saionji monitored events alongside Kurumada from the command center.
Within the movie continuity, Saionji coordinated the response to the Evil AI's android, Terra. After Terra corrupted the Drive Gears' Justice Circuits, he grounded the original child pilots and secured temporary pilots from the Mobile Assault Police. He accompanied Gou Kurumada to locate the missing Cyclone Interceptor and prioritized Kasumi Haruno's rescue when Terra trapped her, ordering attacks halted for her safety. Observing Karigari's unauthorized Cyclone Interceptor modifications with skepticism, he nonetheless witnessed its successful deployment against Terra.
Following the Tower of Babel incident, Saionji oversaw the Drive Head Mk-III upgrade initiative during the web series, discussing new plans with Kurumada and the drivers as the world recovered from axis-shift weather anomalies. He maintained operational oversight throughout this period, including the transition to advanced models like Master Backdraft.