Intrigued at the workings of the household radio during his childhood, Saba chose to study electrical engineering.

He received a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from the University of Tokyo in December 1941 and went to work for the Toshiba Corporation (before he was called to active service in the Imperial Japanese Army on February 1, 1942), where he later became President and CEO.

During his tenure as president of Toshiba from 1980 to July 1987, he helped bring portable computers to the consumer market.

Saba funneled vast resources into research and development, especially in the areas of semiconductors, computers, and telecommunications.

In the Toshiba-Kongsberg scandal, Saba and President Sugiichiro Watari resigned from their official posts, though he remained as adviser to the board rather than having to sever a 45-year tie.