Saizo Saito

2.1. Birth and Background

Saizo Saito was born on September 24, 1908, in Osaka Prefecture, Japan. His family background included his father, who was a trade merchant, indicating a connection to commerce from his youth.

2.2. Education and Early Football Career

Saito's academic journey began with his attendance at Tezukayama Gakuin Elementary School and subsequently Momoyama Junior High School. He then pursued higher education at the Higher Commercial Faculty of Kwansei Gakuin University, which is now recognized as the Faculty of Commerce at the same university. During his time at Kwansei Gakuin, Saito joined the university's football club. He quickly established himself as a key player, securing the position of starting goalkeeper from his first year. A notable achievement during his university career was winning the 1929 Emperor's Cup, then known as the Meiji Jingu Games and All Japan Association Football Championship, alongside teammates such as Yukio Goto.

3.1. Club Career

Saito played for Kwangaku Club, a football team primarily composed of players and graduates from Kwansei Gakuin University, his alma mater. With Kwangaku Club, he played a crucial role as goalkeeper in their victory at the 1929 Emperor's Cup. This achievement highlighted the prominence of university-based teams in the early history of Japanese football.

3.2. National Team Career

In May 1930, while still enrolled as a student at Kwansei Gakuin University, Saito was selected to represent the Japan national football team. He participated in the 1930 Far Eastern Championship Games, which took place in Tokyo. Under the management of Shigemaru Takenokoshi, Japan successfully won the championship in this competition. Saito made his official international debut on May 25, 1930, in a match against the Philippines. He also played in another key match on May 29, 1930, against the Republic of China. In total, he earned two caps for the Japan national team in 1930.

3.3. Career Statistics

Below are Saizo Saito's national team statistics, summarizing his appearances and goals.

Additionally, details of his specific international matches are provided:

4.1. Study Abroad and Early Professional Activities

Following his graduation from Kwansei Gakuin University in March 1930, Saito pursued further studies in football in England at the University of Bristol. This period allowed him to gain insights into English football practices and theories. Upon his return to Japan, in April 1933, he joined the staff of the Osaka Mainichi Shimbun, a prominent newspaper. In this role, he was actively involved in both the management and reporting aspects of the All Japan High School Soccer Tournament. He continued this work until approximately autumn 1940, at which point he left the newspaper.

4.2. Business Career

After his tenure at the Osaka Mainichi Shimbun, Saito transitioned into a long and distinguished career in the business sector, primarily with Hino Motors and its associated companies. He initially joined Hino Renault Sales, which later evolved into Hino Motors. Over several decades, Saito progressively advanced through various executive roles within the Hino group. He was appointed as a director of Hino Renault Sales in June 1957, becoming a managing director in November 1957, and a senior managing director in May 1963. In September 1966, he took on the presidency of Kinki Hino Motor, a company now known as Osaka Hino Jidosha. He also served as a director of Hino Motors Sales from November 1967.

In May 1968, Saito was appointed as the representative director and president of Hino Shatai Kogyo. From May 1976 to 1980, he additionally served as an auditor for Asahi Vehicle Industry, located in Osaka Prefecture. In June 1980, he stepped down from his presidential role at Hino Shatai Kogyo to become the representative director and chairman of the company. His final position before fully retiring from directorship was as an advisory director for Hino Shatai Kogyo, a role he held from June 1987 until March 1989.