Akari Chargers’ coach Taka Minowa, husband of Jaja Santiago, coaching in the PVL Reinforced Conference. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Akari coach Taka Minowa vows to support wife Jaja Santiago, now known as Sachi, every step of the way as her transfer to the volleyball federation follows after acquiring Japanese citizenship.
Minowa, who went to the PVL last year signing with Nxled before transferring to sister team Akari this Reinforced Conference, is grateful that his wife has taken a big step toward her ultimate goal of playing the Japanese national team in the Olympics.
“Actually, that’s the family’s dream. Before we already promised if ever wanted to [undergo] naturalization. I’ll just support that’s why I’m also staying in Asian countries only, I promised that I would not go into a country that isn’t in Asia so if ever I’m in an Asia country, I can help Jaja in the process,” said Minowa after Akari completed an 8-0 sweep of the elimination round to seal the top seed on Tuesday at FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
READ: Jaja Santiago now a Japanese citizen
The Japanese coach, who married Santiago two years ago, said the 6-foot-5 middle blocker needs to change her federation from the PNVF to the Japan Volleyball Association to be eligible to play for the national team.
PNVF president Tats Suzara helped Santiago in her citizenship process.
Photo from Jaja Santiago’s Instagram
Although Santiago’s next chance in the Olympics would be in 2028 in Los Angeles, the Akari coach is confident that his wife’s dream is still within reach after training with the Japanese national team last May.
READ: Jaja Santiago gets Japan national volleyball team call-up
“I think that’s why the Japan head coach invited Jaja to national team training. I think she can make it to the Olympics,” he said.
More than the Japan V.League mainstay’s Olympic dream, Minowa believes his wife will be a good Japanese citizen.
“I’m always proud of her, especially because she’s a person, who always respects her coaches and also Japanese teammates. That’s why she was able to get a lot of [good] relationships with [other] players, coaches, and Japanese teammates,” the PVL coach said.
Santiago will play in the Japan SV.League, while Minowa and the Chargers make their first-ever PVL playoffs appearance.