John Franklin Kennedy Caacbay

PVL AFC 25 Akari vs. Choco Mucho - Taka Minowa-9542

Article (news)

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:958px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1748697291981PVL AFC 25 Akari vs. Choco Mucho - Taka Minowa-9542.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Exiting Akari mentor Taka Minowa.<em> PVL Media Bureau/file</em></span></span></span></div><p>MANILA, Philippines – Japanese tactician Taka Minowa bid farewell to the Akari Chargers on Saturday evening, concluding a PVL run on a high with back-to-back podium finishes.</p><p>In an emotional post on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/takayuki1111/posts/9899365396850555"><strong>Facebook</strong></a><strong></strong>, the foreign coach reflected on the journey he had with the Chargers.</p><p>The 33-year-old Minowa joined the PVL club nearly two years ago. From a cellar-dwelling team, he helped Akari become competitive.</p><p>&quot;One year ago, I received an offer from team management, who told me, &#x27;We have a lineup that can become a champion team,&#x27;&quot; said Minowa.</p><p>&quot;This was coming from a team that, since its founding, had never once finished in the top 6. That alone gives you an idea of how challenging this journey was going to be. At times, the high expectations placed on the team turned into pressure — but for me, that pressure gave me purpose and deep motivation,&quot; he added.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/volleyball/2025/4/15/dahil-lang-kay-oly-akari-silences-critics-with-all-filipino-bronze-1838"><strong>READ: &#x27;Dahil lang kay Oly?&#x27; Akari silences critics with All-Filipino bronze<br/></strong></a></div><p>Minowa said he believed in the progress they had.</p><p>&quot;We chose not to chase results, but to focus on daily growth. We believed in the process and that belief kept us moving forward, day by day, challenge by challenge. It was never easy, but every tough day made this journey even more meaningful and fulfilling,&quot; he shared.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/volleyball/2025/4/12/pvl-akari-sweeps-choco-mucho-in-game-3-to-claim-all-filipino-bronze-1700"><strong>READ: PVL: Akari sweeps Choco Mucho in Game 3 to claim bronze, its best finish in All-Filipino tourney<br/></strong></a></div><p>The exiting Akari maestro took time to thank the coaching staff, players, their social media team, and the league itself.</p><p>Before leaving, Minowa has led Akari to a silver medal finish in the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference and a bronze medal in the last 2024-25 All-Filipino Conference.</p><p>Minowa believes &quot;foundation has been laid&quot; for Akari to reach greater heights.</p><p>&quot;Even the most successful team in the PVL started with back-to-back podium finishes before finally becoming champions and that’s exactly where this team now stands. The foundation has been laid. The belief is real. And the future is bright. Go for G old!&quot; said Jaja Santiago (Sachi Minowa)&#x27;s husband.</p><p>&quot;It was an honor to work in my wife’s home country.&quot;</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO:</strong></div><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Vj3vuBmvz0A??si=C5krhWUBcESmNAih&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br/></div>

<p>See you around, coach Taka! #PVL2025 </p>

Taka Minowa bids farewell to Akari: 'It was an honor to work in my wife’s home country'

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

Sudoku

Word of the Day

Lotto

Horoscope

Volleyball

Taka Minowa bids farewell to Akari: 'It was an honor to work in my wife’s home country'

Kennedy Caacbay,

ABS-CBN News

Published May 31, 2025 09:23 PM PHT

|

Updated June 01, 2025 04:21 AM PHT

Read More:

abssports

absnews

volleyball

Akari Chargers

Taka Minowa

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.