Jaja Santiago set to leave Japan club after playoffs
FILE–Jaja Santiago and her Osaka Marvelous squad in the Japan V.League. –OSAKA MARVELOUS PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Jaja Santiago, now known as Sachi Minowa, said her ongoing stint with Osaka Marvelous in the 2024-25 Japan SV.League season will be her last.
The club announced that the 6-foot-5 middle blocker is leaving the team after the playoffs.
“As I finish my last season with Osaka Marvelous, I want to thank you all for your amazing support over the past two years. Saying goodbye will be hard because this team has taught me so much and given me many happy moments,” said Santiago in a statement on the Marvelous’ website.
READ: Jaja Santiago not eligible to play in Japan under new FIVB rules
“I appreciate everything you’ve done for us. Let’s make this final season special, and please keep supporting us until the end!”
The Filipino volleyball star, who is now a Japanese citizen and married to Akari coach Taka Minowa, will see action in the quarterfinal against the No. 8 seed Astemo Rivale Ibaraki.
Marvelous won the regular season with a 37-7 record.
Santiago, who joined the Marvelous in 2023, settled for silver last season where she was hailed as Best Blocker and Best Attacker. She also made the Mythical Team and won the Fighting Spirit award.
The former UAAP MVP out of National University has yet to disclose where she is headed next. She has been playing in Japan since 2018 with her first club team Saitama Ageo Medics.
READ: Jaja Santiago now a Japanese citizen
She last saw action in the Philippines in 2021, leading Chery Tiggo to the top of the PVL’s first pro title inside the Ilocos Norte bubble.
Meanwhile, Maddie Madayag expressed her gratitude to the Kurobe AquaFairies after her first overseas stint.
“And that’s a wrap! Thank you [Kurobe AquaFairies] for the chance to live out one of my dreams. Although a different shade, it’s been a pleasure donning a blue jersey once again. Peace out, [jersey No.] 19,” said Madayag.
Kurobe placed 11th out of 12 teams with a 15-29 card.
Madayag was undrafted in the 2025 Korean Volleyball League Asian Quota Draft as well as Choco Mucho teammate Mars Alba and PLDT middle blocker Majoy Baron.
