During the First Sino-Japanese War, Saitō served as captain of the cruisers and . He received rapid promotions to commander on 1 December 1897 and to captain on 27 December. On 10 November 1898, he became Vice Minister of the Navy, and was promoted to rear admiral on 20 May 1900.Nishida, Imperial Japanese Navy.
During the First Sino-Japanese War Saitō served as captain of the cruisers and  He received rapid promotions to commander on 1 December 1897 and to captain on 27 December On 10 November 1898 he became Vice Minister of the Navy and was promoted to rear admiral on 20 May 1900Nishida Imperial Japanese Navy