Saitō has an appearance of slightly darker skin and an average height. He has a shaved head and hair that appears dark in color. He also wears glasses similar to those of Tsukishima, and he is usually seen wearing the Shiratorizawa track suit.
Personality[]
He appears to be a kind and encouraging person. He occasionally helps Washijō try to explain certain things to his team when the older coach is either in a blind rage or cannot find the right phrasing. He also shows concern and sympathy for Shiratorizawa when they lost in the final round against Karasuno to advance to the Spring Tournament.
Background[]
It is implied that Saitō and Takaaki Anabara were students together and both played on the same volleyball team in high school.
He is currently a coach for Shiratorizawa Academy.
Plot[]
Spring High Preliminary Arc[]
Karasuno vs Shiratorizawa[]
Saitō is first seen when Shiratorizawa walks onto the court for the Spring Finals. He is seen high-fiving his team when they're announced on the court.
Throughout the game against Karasuno, he is usually seen commenting on plays from both Karasuno and his team. He also remembers how Karasuno's current coach is Ikkei Ukai's grandson. During the fifth set, he comments on Goshiki's spike, noting how he put some force in the spike to make up for failing to receive Yamaguchi's serve.
He is seen with an upset expression when Shiratorizawa loses. Saitō, along with Washijō, is seen watching as Ushijima and the other third-years retire from the volleyball team, and also when Ushijima gives the remaining players advice of how they can improve themselves and the team overall.
Tokyo Nationals Arc[]
First Year Training Camp[]
Saitō is one of the coaches that helps with the First-Year Training Camp. Like everyone present, Saitō was also surprised that Hinata had crashed the camp. He goes out to a restaurant with Anabara where they both talk about the camp and Hinata having been allowed to stay at the camp as a ball boy. Saitō also comments how he had noticed a change in Washijō during the match between Karasuno and Shiratorizawa. Saitō is absent from the next day's practice due to suffering food poisoning from eating oysters. During the Spring Tournament, Saitō can sometimes be seen watching Karasuno's matches.
Statistics[]
Although he is never shown playing, he is stated to have played when he was in school and is able to accurately teach the players of the boys' volleyball team and the First-Year training camp.
Tanji Washijō: The two appear to have known each other for a few years. Saitō appears to highly respect Washijō but is also very honest with him. Due to having worked with each other for so long, Saitō is able to tell what Washijō attempts to communicate but also notices his emotional changes as well.
