Jaja Santiago watching a recreation within the VNL Ladies’s Week 2 at PhilSports Area in Pasig. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.internet
MANILA, Philippines — Jaja Santiago, now often known as Sachi Minowa, is headed to america beginning subsequent yr to proceed her volleyball profession.
After taking part in in Japan for 9 years, the 6-foot-5 center blocker is about to develop into the primary Filipino homegrown expertise to compete within the skilled league within the US.
Santiago bared her subsequent profession transfer on Friday, saying the season begins in January, however she has but to call her membership and league, leaving the announcement to the workforce.
Jaja Santiago (Sachi Minowa) is headed to the US.
Her new membership workforce is about to announce quickly. #BePartOfTheGame | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/cOv2KJ5E5t
— INQUIRER Sports activities (@inquirersports) June 19, 2026
“I’m going to US subsequent season. I’ll allow you to guess the place that’s,” Santiago instructed the reporters whereas watching the Volleyball Nations League between Japan and Czechia at Philsports Area. “I believe subsequent week, they’ll announce–the league–the place I’ll play.”
With a protracted hiatus earlier than she flies to the US in November, the previous PVL Open Convention and Finals MVP mentioned she is reviewing different presents. A attainable PVL comeback stays on the desk, although nothing is last as she additionally hopes to spend extra time together with her household and her husband.
Jaja Santiago together with her husband Taka Minowa watching a recreation within the VNL Ladies’s Week 2 at PhilSports Area in Pasig. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.internet
“Proper now, I’m understanding with Coach Luis as a result of I must. Typically, Taka and I additionally do exercises. We’re going to discover a place the place I can do exercises and ball coaching as a result of I want to remain in form because the league begins in January. I’ll be there in November. There’s a protracted hole, so I must discover a option to keep in situation by then,” she mentioned.
“Truly, there are a whole lot of presents, however I’m nonetheless serious about it. I additionally instructed Taka that I wish to relaxation. I’m unsure proper now, but when my schedule permits it—as a result of my plan once I go house is to spend time with my household and journey with Taka—we’re nonetheless checking if the schedules will align. You by no means know.”
Santiago final suited up for the Denso AiryBees within the 2025-26 Japan SV.League, the place they completed ninth with a 22-22 document.
The previous UAAP MVP out of Nationwide College first moved to Japan in 2018 with Ageo Medics, the place she performed till 2023.
She then joined reigning champion Osaka Marvelous in 2024 and went on to win a title with the membership final yr.
Santiago, married to former Akari coach Taka Minowa, formally gained Japanese citizenship in 2024.
