Jaja Santiago is now a Japanese citizen
![](https://images.gmanews.tv/webpics/2024/08/JAJA_SANTIAGO_2024_08_17_15_38_14.jpg)
Volleyball star Jaja Santiago is now a Japanese citizen.
Santiago announced the development on Saturday.
In a social media post, Santiago said changing nationalities was 'never an easy decision' but it is for her dream.
"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," the caption of her post said.
"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 also thanked those who supported her in her journey such as her family and officials of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation and Chery Tiggo Crossovers.
"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."
Santiago said she will now carry the name of Sachi Minowa.
Santiago was previously invited by the Japanese national team to be a part of their training camp.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News