Japan is truly a dream destination for many, and it’s easy to see why. From the land's breathtaking natural beauty, to the seamless blend of tradition and modernity, and of course, the incredible food—Japan has it all. It’s no wonder why people are drawn to this country, and volleyball star Jaja Santiago will now get to experience this for a lifetime, as she has officially become a Japanese citizen!
In an Instagram post, the athlete disclosed that there are a lot of sacrifices she made to make her dream come true. Jaja revealed that the process was not "easy," and that she herself encountered hurdles.
"Changing one’s nationality is not an easy decision. 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," Jaja stated.
"However, this is for my dream, because we are not getting any younger, and we don’t know how long we’ll be in this field. 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," she added.
Jaja Santiago Talks About The Process Behind Changing Her Citizenship
Indeed, it takes a village to make dreams, especially big ones, a reality—including one like Jaja’s. Even though the transition process was difficult, it was Jaja’s family and friends who made it bearable.
She therefore took to social media to thank God, who she said gave her the primary sign for this dream. She also thanked her husband and family for their unwavering support, and for not judging her decisions.
"The entire process has not been easy. But first and foremost, I am grateful to God for giving me the sign, the blessing, and the opportunity to be in the situation in my life that I am in now," Jaja recounted.
"Secondly, to my husband and our entire family, who have not failed to support me, even though it has been difficult and there have been many jobs. They have sacrificed a lot just for me to achieve this dream of mine," she added.
Jaja Santiago also expressed her heartfelt gratitude to both the Filipino and Japanese teams who have supported her volleyball career. She acknowledged their belief in her abilities, emphasizing that their support played a crucial role in her journey, ultimately leading to her becoming a Japanese citizen.
"All of you are part of my journey, and I fully appreciate all the love and support. 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. And I will not forget that," Jaja expressed.
"My name is Alyja Daphne Santiago, now Minowa Sachi. I’m looking forward to your continued support," she concluded.
Jaja was a former volleyball player for National University in University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP). She was also a member of the Philippine national team for the 2015, 2017, and 2021 Southeast Asian Games. Jaja is currently playing for JT Marvelous for the 2023-2024 season, making this her seventh Japan V.League season.
