Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Tiebreaker Times
(C) Joaqui Flores/UAAP Season 86 Media Team

News

Jaja Santiago’s Japan NT dream hinges on federation switch, says Taka Minowa


Taka Minowa is fully supporting his wife, Jaja Santiago—also known by her acquired Japanese name Sachi Minowa—as she pursues her Olympic dream following her successful naturalization in Japan.

Santiago, one of the best volleyball players the Philippines has produced, announced three days ago that she has finally obtained her Japanese passport, bringing her one step closer to realizing her dream of playing for the Japan national team.

“Actually, that’s a family dream. Before, we already promised that if ever Jaja wants to undergo naturalization, I’ll just support her,” said Minowa after Akari completed its sweep of the 2024 Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference on Tuesday at the expense of Farm Fresh.

Minowa revealed that he made the decision to accept coaching positions only in Asia to ensure he could be nearby to support Santiago as she pursues her dream.

“That’s why I’m also staying in Asian countries only. I promised that I wouldn’t go to a country outside Asia so that I can help Jaja in the process,” he shared.

The next step for Santiago, according to Minowa, is to switch federations, as she is still under the Philippine National Volleyball Federation. Until then, the former National University star cannot represent Japan in international competitions.

“For now, she just got citizenship, and she also needs to go through the process of changing her federation,” said the Alas Pilipinas Girls head coach.

“Her federation is still with the Philippines. Now she needs to undergo the process of switching from the Philippine federation to Japan’s. After that, she can play for Japan. So far, not yet; she cannot play for the national team.”

Minowa expressed his pride in Santiago and his confidence that she can make the Japan team that will compete for a spot in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

#ReadMore  PVL: Lacsina shows way as F2 grounds Nxled for first win

“Always, I’m proud of her, especially since she’s a person who always respects her coaches and Japanese teammates. That’s why she was able to build a lot of good relationships with players, coaches, and Japanese teammates,” he said.

“That’s the most important thing for a player.”

Written By




You May Also Like

News

In a heartfelt social media post on Saturday, Taka Minowa announced his departure from Akari, marking the end of an era for the Chargers....

News

After seven productive years in Japan, capped with a championship in the SV.League, Jaja Santiago-Minowa is ready to take her career to the next...

News

Jaja Santiago, now known as Sachi Minowa, bid Osaka the perfect farewell — helping the team exact sweet revenge on NEC to capture the...

News

Akari fended off every Choco Mucho comeback attempt as it swept to a 25-15, 26-24, 26-24 victory in Game 3, securing the bronze medal...

News

Refusing to falter twice, Choco Mucho came out with fire and focus, dispatching Akari in four hard-fought sets, 25-18, 25-22, 26-28, 25-19, to seize...

News

Akari escaped the jaws of defeat, rallying from a 0-2 set deficit to defeat Choco Mucho, 24-26, 21-25, 25-15, 25-18, 15-11, and move within...

News

Petro Gazz punched its ticket to the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference Finals after dismantling Akari, 25-22, 25-20, 25-18, to complete a sweep of the...

News

Defending champion Creamline bounced back in dominant fashion, sweeping Akari with a commanding 25-18, 25-19, 25-19 victory in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference round-robin...

Advertisement