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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Volleyball devider After fruitful Japan stint, Jaja Santiago brings talent to US

After fruitful Japan stint, Jaja Santiago brings talent to US

Published Jun 25, 2026 02:36 pm

At A Glance

  • Following her long stay in Japan, Jaja Santiago, also known as Sachi Minowa, embarked on her new journey as she inked a deal to play in the League One Volleyball (LOVB) in the United States.
Jaja Santiago (Japan SV.League)
Jaja Santiago (Japan SV.League)
Following her long stay in Japan, Jaja Santiago, also known as Sachi Minowa, embarked on her new journey as she inked a deal to play in the League One Volleyball (LOVB) in the United States.
Santiago, 30, was officially welcomed by the league on its Instagram post on Thursday, June 25, with the 6-foot-5 middle blocker being added in the elite players competing in the US-based tournament.
“Adding a new country to our list: the Philippines! Welcome, Sachi “Jaja” Minowa!!,” LOVB wrote. “Jaja is a talented middle blocker who is a Japanese SV.League Champion with multiple Best spiker and Best blocker awards! Welcome, Jaja!”
Prior to the LOVB announcement, Santiago, one of the country’s top blockers, revealed the development less than a week ago.
The former National University standout was then assigned to a team after her signing was made directly with the league.
Before her move to the United States, Santiago started her professional career when she bannered the Foton Tornadoes in the Philippine Super Liga (PSL) from 2015 to 2018.
Santiago then played in Japan’s SV.League with the Ageo Medics. She later returned to the country for a brief stint in the PSL before rejoining the same Japanese club where she played two seasons.
Santiago went back to the PSL to play for the Chery Tiggo Crossovers when they moved from PSL to the Premier Volleyball League.
She re-signed with Ageo in Japan, followed by her stints with the Osaka Marvelous (2023-25), and Denso Airybees (2025-26)
She won an SV. League title with the Marvelous in the 2024-25 season.
Santiago, now a Japanese citizen, is married to coach Taka Minowa since 2022.

Related Tags

Jaja Santiago Sachi Minowa League One Volleyball (LOVB)
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