Jaja Santiago’s Journey to Japanese Citizenship
Months after being invited to train with the Japan women’s volleyball team, Jaja Santiago, the 6-foot-4 Filipino volleyball star, is eagerly awaiting the approval of her Japanese citizenship application. Santiago currently plays for JT Marvelous in the Japan V. League Division 1.
Marriage to Japanese Coach
Santiago is married to Japanese coach Taka Minowa, but Japan’s laws do not automatically grant citizenship to a foreign spouse. Despite this, Santiago remains hopeful that her citizenship application will be approved.
Training with the National Team
In March, the Japanese Volleyball Association added Santiago to the original 24-woman national training pool. However, due to her citizenship application process, Santiago will not be playing for Chery Tiggo in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) as she did previously.
Supporting Her Former Teams
While in the Philippines, Santiago took the time to attend the Chery Tiggo Crossovers training and watch their game against the Petro Gazz Angels. She also supported her former collegiate team, the NU Lady Bulldogs, as they advanced to the UAAP finals.
Spending Time with Family
During her stay in the country, Santiago also gets to spend quality time with her husband, who is currently coaching the Nxled Chameleons in the PVL. She expressed pride in her husband’s efforts to elevate the level of Philippine volleyball.
Despite not being able to play in the upcoming matches, Santiago remains optimistic about her future in both Japanese and Philippine volleyball.