After nearly a decade building her career in Japan, Jaja Santiago is preparing for another major move abroad.
The former Philippine national team standout, now known as Sachi Minowa following her marriage to Japanese and former Akari coach Taka Minowa, confirmed that she will continue her professional volleyball career in the United States beginning next season.
Speaking to reporters during the Philippine leg of the 2026 Volleyball Nations League (VNL) at PhilSports Arena in Pasig City, Santiago revealed that a deal is already in place, although details regarding her new club and league have yet to be officially announced.
“I’m going to US next season,” Santiago confirmed.
The 30-year-old middle blocker said the competition is scheduled to start in January, with an announcement from her new team expected soon.
“I think next week, they will announce the league where I will play,” she said.
While Santiago did not disclose her destination, she is expected to suit up in either League One Volleyball (LOVB) or Major League Volleyball (MLV), two of the emerging professional women’s volleyball competitions in the United States.
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SACHI MINOWA TO PLAY IN THE US
Sachi Minowa (Jaja Santiago) said she’s set to play in the United States next season. | via @kennedyzcaacbay
pic.twitter.com/3WVnTJ0PsW— ABS-CBN News (@ABSCBNNews) June 19, 2026
The move will mark another significant chapter in a career that has largely been built overseas.
Standing 6-foot-5, Santiago spent the last nine years competing in Japan’s top professional leagues, where she established herself as one of the country’s premier middle blockers.
Most recently, she played for Denso Airybees during the 2025-26 SV.League season. Before that, she spent five successful seasons with Saitama Ageo Medics and later had a stint with Osaka Marvelous.
Throughout her stay in Japan, Santiago earned two Best Middle Blocker awards and consistently ranked among the league’s most respected players at her position.
With several months remaining before her move to the United States, Santiago’s immediate focus has shifted toward maintaining her fitness and game shape.
“I’ll be there (US), November. Sobrang laki nung gap, so kailangan ko maghanap ng way para maging kondisyon pagdating no’n,” the former NU Lady Bulldogs standout said.
The lengthy break between seasons has prompted Santiago to explore training opportunities while also weighing other options closer to home.
A return to the Premier Volleyball League has not been ruled out, although the former PVL Open Conference and Finals MVP stressed that no decisions have been finalized. The veteran middle blocker is also hoping to maximize time with her family and husband before beginning another overseas campaign.
“Right now, I’m working out with Coach Luis because I need to. Sometimes, Taka and I also do workouts,” she said.
For Santiago, the move represents another challenge in a career that has already seen her succeed in one of Asia’s strongest volleyball environments. After nine years in Japan, the next stop is the United States, where she will look to bring her experience, size, and international pedigree to a new league.
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