Jaja Santiago’s fiance, Taka Minowa grateful for Japan’s good experience in AVC Cup

Japan’s assistant coach Taka Minowa talks about his fiancee Jaja Santiago, who announced their engagement on Instagram. Photo by Lance Agcaoili/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Japan national team assistant coach Taka Minowa didn’t hold back in expressing how he feels about Filipino star middle blocker Jaja Santiago.

After Santiago on Saturday announced that she is engaged with the Japanese coach, Minowa’s squad reached the semifinals of the AVC Cup for Women after ousting Iran, 25-23, 25-21, 26-28, 25-16, at PhilSports Arena.

Minowa, who was Santiago’s coach with the Saitama Ageo Medics, bared to reporters that they’ve been engaged for two months.

“I’m so happy. I love her,” Minowa said.

Santiago is currently in Japan with Ageo Medics, while Minowa is helping Japan head coach Akira Koshiya in their AVC Cup title quest.

Minowa said he is also in awe of seeing how passionate Filipino fans are about volleyball just like what his fiancee told her before he flew to Manila.

“I hear about too many fans. I hear from Jaja. They like volleyball. We’re just excited to play volleyball even though I’m a coach, my players are so excited to play volleyball. Thank you for making it a good (experience),” he said.

For now, Minowa is focused on helping Japan hurdle Vietnam in the knockout semifinals on Sunday.