TAKA Minowa has stepped down as head coach of the Akari Chargers.
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In a lengthy Facebook post on Saturday, the 33-year-old Japanese mentor bade his team farewell after over a year at the helm.
“I would be truly grateful if I’ve been able to make even a small positive impact or provide some inspiration to the team and to Philippine volleyball,” Minowa wrote.
“It was an honor to work in my wife’s home country. Thank you, team. Thank you, PVL. Maraming salamat. Matane.”
The Chargers made history under Minowa’s one-year tenure by landing the franchise’s first two PVL podium finishes — silver in the 2024 Reinforced Conference and bronze in the recently-concluded 2024-25 All-Filipino Conference.
'The foundation has been laid'
In his parting note, Minowa, spouse of former PVL MVP Jaja Santiago (Sachi Minowa), reflected on taking on the immense challenge of spearheading a team that barely had any success in years past.
"One year ago, I received an offer from team management, who told me, “We have a lineup that can become a champion team," Minowa said.
"This was coming from a team that, since its founding, had never once finished in the top 6. That alone gives you an idea of how challenging this journey was going to be. At times, the high expectations placed on the team turned into pressure — but for me, that pressure gave me purpose and deep motivation."
He also likened Akari's journey thus far to that of Creamline, the PVL's most successful team, that also began their now-unparalleled PVL run with a pair of podium finishes before embarking on a golden reign for nearly a decade now.
"Even the most successful team in the PVL started with back-to-back podium finishes before finally becoming champions and that’s exactly where this team now stands. The foundation has been laid. The belief is real. And the future is bright. Go for gold," he said.
"We chose not to chase results, but to focus on daily growth. We believed in the process and that belief kept us moving forward, day by day, challenge by challenge. It was never easy, but every tough day made this journey even more meaningful and fulfilling."
Minowa is expected to be replaced by former Nxled lead shot-caller and Far Eastern University alumna-turned-head coach Tina Salak for the remainder of the 2025 PVL season, pending the team's formal announcement.
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