Photo credit: Jaja Santiago

Jaja Santiago, one of the Philippines' most celebrated volleyball stars, has just taken a monumental step in her life—she's now officially a Japanese citizen. In a heartfelt Instagram post, she shared the journey and sacrifices that led to this decision, making it clear that while her nationality may have changed, her Filipino roots remain deeply ingrained.

"Changing one's nationality is not an easy decision," Santiago began, capturing the gravity of the choice she made. "It requires many sacrifices to achieve your dream. There are people who will support you, but there are also those who may not understand your decision."

For Jaja, this decision wasn't just about the paperwork; it was about pursuing her dream while acknowledging the realities of an athlete's career. "We are not getting any younger, and we don't know how long we'll be in this field," she wrote, emphasizing the urgency behind her choice. "The only thing I know is that I will do everything for my family, my dream, and for the people who support me and believe in the talent that God has given me."

Santiago's journey to Japanese citizenship was far from easy. She expressed immense gratitude to the people who stood by her side—her husband, her family, and her local and international volleyball teams. She particularly highlighted the support from her team, JT Marvelous, and the Philippine Federation, acknowledging their unwavering belief in her.

She also mentioned the challenges of learning the Japanese language, a crucial step in her transition. "The JLRC has served as my school to learn the Japanese language without any difficulty. I am very fortunate to have been a part of the JLRC family," Santiago wrote, adding that their support was instrumental in passing her N4 exam.

But even as she embarks on this new chapter as a Japanese citizen, Jaja Santiago made it clear that her love for her Filipino heritage remains strong. "Now that I have already obtained my Japanese citizenship, in my heart, blood, mind, and soul, I am always a Filipina who was born in the Philippines," she affirmed. And with a new name, Minowa Sachi, she looks forward to the continued support of her fans and loved ones.

Jaja’s story is one of resilience, determination, and a love for the sport that transcends borders. As she steps into her new life, the volleyball world will be watching, cheering on both the Filipina and the Japanese athlete she has become.