Isn't it just a watch? The little-known world of GARMIN, which dominates land, sea, and air

Hello, everyone! This is the GARMIN STORE on the 6th floor of Mint Kobe.
We often hear customers who visit our store ask, “GARMIN is a brand of watches for running and golf, right?” While it’s true that GARMIN holds the top market share in running, golf, hiking, and cycling, the brand’s roots are actually much more impressive—it’s a brand that excels in harsh professional environments where people’s lives are on the line!
Today, I’d like to introduce you to the little-known yet formidable foundation behind the GARMIN brand.

✈️ Used in the HondaJet, too! A global company with four business segments
GARMIN was founded in Kansas, USA, in 1989 and is now a global manufacturer with operations in 35 countries. In 2024, the company celebrated its 35th anniversary. In addition to the “fitness and outdoor” sector—which includes smartwatches—the company actually operates in the following professional-use business areas:

• Aviation: GARMIN avionics systems are featured in the HondaJet’s advanced cockpit. The company is also leading the aviation industry, having received the “Supplier of the Year” award from Cirrus Aircraft, among other honors.

• Marine: The company received the “Supplier of the Year Award” from IBBI (Independent Boat Builders Inc.) in 2025.

• Automotive: The company received an Innovation Award at CES 2025 for its automotive OEM solutions.

To date, we’ve shipped a staggering total of over 290 million units! The “high-precision GPS technology” and “rugged design” honed in demanding B2B sectors such as aviation and maritime are now condensed into the smartwatch you wear on your wrist.

🏅 Swept the awards at “CES,” the world’s leading technology trade show
GARMIN's strength lies in its "vertically integrated business model," in which the company handles everything from development to manufacturing and sales in-house. This structure enables the company to quickly bring cutting-edge technologies to market.
The company's technical expertise is highly regarded worldwide, and it has won numerous awards at leading technology trade shows.

• CES 2026: Models such as the “FENIX 8 PRO” win five Innovation Awards!
• CES 2025: “inReach Messenger Plus” Wins the Best of Innovation Award!

💤 As a "personal trainer" who helps you manage your sleep
GARMIN isn't just known for its rugged hardware—it's also a pro at leveraging data. With just one watch, it handles everything from "measuring and visualizing" data to "analyzing" it, making "recommendations," and facilitating "implementation and review."
I’d especially like to recommend the “Sleep” feature to all of you.

• It provides a detailed visualization of sleep quality—including deep sleep, light sleep, REM sleep, and wakefulness—and assigns a score to it.
• It provides specific recommendations on the amount of sleep needed for adequate recovery, such as, “It would be best to get a little more sleep today.”
• In the latest model, the “Venu 4,” this sleep feature has been significantly enhanced, contributing greatly to improving your daily well-being.

🏢 Come experience the real thing at Mint Kobe!
GARMIN is trusted by top athletes—such as professional soccer player Yuto Nagatomo and the Iwai sisters, professional golfers—as a provider of scientifically-based training support.
Come to Mint Kobe and experience for yourself a “life partner” that goes far beyond a mere smartwatch. Whether you’re a health-conscious professional or someone looking to start exercising, our staff will help you find the perfect watch for you.
We look forward to serving you!