CALL her Sachi Minowa from now on.
Jaja Santiago is officially a Japanese citizen upon completing her nationality shift.
Married to Akari head coach Taka Minowa for two years now, Santiago took the next step towards her dream of representing Japan on the international stage.
Minowa shared the biggest change of her career - and her life - in a heartfelt Instagram post on Saturday.
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“Changing nationality was not an easy decision. It took many sacrifices to make my dream come true. Some people will support my decision, others will not understand my decision," she said.
“But this is for my dream. As we grow older with our careers, we grow older. And I don't know how long I can stay as a professional volleyball player. What I do know now is that I will do my best for my family, for my dream, for those who believe in me and support me, and for my God-given talent.”
Jaja in the Land of the Rising Sun
After joining a series of Japan training camps for the first time earlier this year, Minowa paid a visit to the Philippines back in May when she confirmed that her naturalization bid was ongoing.
Three months later, pen has been put to paper.
But the Filipino spirit in her, after a decorated career on what was once her home turf in the collegiate and pro ranks, will forever remain.
“Now that I am a Japanese citizen, my heart, blood, mind and soul will always be Filipino, born in the Philippines. I will never forget that. My name is Alyja Daphne Santiago, and now, my name is Santiago Sachi Minowa. I hope you will continue to support me.”
Santiago played for the Philippine national team from 2014 to 2022 and had four stints in the Japan V.League, including her current one with JT Marvelous where they finished in second place in the 2023-24 season as she took home top attacker and blocker honors.
Growling crossover
She also led Chery Tiggo to its first-ever championship in 2021 as 2nd-Best Middle Blocker and conference and finals MVP.
Crossovers head coach Kungfu Reyes, who first had Minowa under his wing back in their University of Sto. Tomas High School days, couldn’t be more thrilled to see his former star get the chance to shine even brighter in Japan.
“Ito na 'yung dream niya, kaya that's why nandu'n naman siya sa Japan, and nakapag-asawa na rin ng Japanese, siyempre. Konti pa, mas ma-fulfill niya 'yung dream niya to join the Olympics, 'yun lang naman ang target that's why nag-migrate siya sa Japan," he said.
“I think 'yun ang one of the biggest dreams nung bata - na 'di na pala bata, may asawa na. I'm happy for her na nakuha niya 'yung isa sa mga talagang pangarap niya. Hindi na lang siya pangarap, andiyan na. I'm happy for her.”
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