Santiago: Turning Japanese
Jaja Santiago is now a Japanese citizen
JAJA Santiago, one of the finest Filipina players to grace in the country’s volleyball scene in recent memory, is now officially a Japanese citizen.
Santiago, who married Akari coach Taka Minowa two years ago, made the process to open a lot of opportunities for her overseas.
Representing Japan bearing her name as Sachi Minowa, Santiago can now play in big international tournaments such as Volleyball Nations League, World Championships and Olympics.
“Changing one’s nationality is not an easy decision. It requires many sacrifices to achieve your dream. There are people who will support you, but there are also those who may not understand your decision,” Santiago wrote in her Instagram account yesterday afternoon.
“However, this is for my dream, because we are not getting any younger, and we don’t know how long we’ll be in this field. The only thing I know is that I will do everything for my family, my dream, and for the people who support me and believe in the talent that God has given me,” the 29-year-old spiker added.
Santiago is currently with Japan V.League club JT Marvelous. Her decision to switch her citizenship was made after playing in Japan since 2019 and getting engaged to Minowa, who was a part of the country’s national women’s team coaching staff.
“The entire process has not been easy. But first and foremost, I am grateful to God for giving me the sign, the blessing, and the opportunity to be in the situation in my life that I am in now.
Secondly, to my husband and our entire family, who have not failed to support me, even though it has been difficult and there have been many jobs. They have sacrificed a lot just for me to achieve this dream of mine,” said Santiago.
Chery Tiggo coach Kungfu Reyes said Santiago’s dream of playing in the Olympics, in Los Angeles 2028 at the earliest, can be easily achieved.
“Konti pa, mas ma-fulfill niya ‘yung dream niya to join the Olympics. Iyon ang one of the biggest dream ng bata,” said Reyes. “I’m happy for her at nakuha niya. Hindi na pangarap, nandiyan na.”
Santiago led the Crossovers in winning their lone Premier Volleyball League championship in the 2021 All-Filipino Conference at the Bacarra, Ilocos Norte bubble.
The 6-foot-4 star thanked the Chery Tiggo management and to the Philippine National Volleyball Federation led by its president Ramon “Tats” Suzara, for being supportive of her dreams, saying:
“I really appreciate your unfailing love and support in this journey of mine.”
Aside from JT Marvelous, Santiago praised her previous Japanese club Saitama Ageo Medics, where she won a title in the 2020-21 V.Cup, for helping and supporting her throughout the process.
The first Filipina to play in the Japanese top-tier league, Santiago will never forget her roots.
“All of you are part of my journey, and I fully appreciate all the love and support. Now that I have already obtained my Japanese citizenship, in my heart, blood, mind, and soul, I am always a Filipina who was born in the Philippines. And I will not forget that. My name is Alyja Daphne Santiago, now Minowa Sachi. I’m looking forward to your continued support. Thank you!,” she said.
