Garmin Japan Appoints Yuka Akasaki, a Top Japanese Female Runner, as Brand Ambassador

Garmin Japan Co., Ltd., a data utilization professional originating from the United States, has appointed Yuka Akasaki, a track and field athlete active both domestically and internationally, as a Garmin Japan brand ambassador for its running GPS watch series, 'Forerunner'. Ms. Akasaki will communicate the joy of running and the benefits of Garmin watches to all runners, including beginners and female runners, with the aim of 'improving QOL through running'. New visual for Garmin Japan Brand Ambassadors / From left: Yuki Kawauchi, Akasaki Ryo, Yuka Akasaki Currently, running is gaining attention worldwide, especially among young women, and many people in Japan are also enjoying running. Garmin offers the 'Forerunner' series of running GPS watches tailored to the level and purpose of users, from entry-level runners to top athletes. Yuka Akasaki, who will become a Garmin Japan brand ambassador, is a top Japanese athlete active on the world stage. Her husband, Ryo Akasaki, is also a top Japanese runner and has been a Garmin Japan brand ambassador since February 2024. Although running is becoming more popular, the number of runners in Japan is still small compared to overseas. The number of female runners is particularly low. Running offers many benefits that contribute to improving QOL, such as health, mental well-being, daily fulfillment, and enjoyment, and it is an activity that anyone can easily start. As a Garmin ambassador, she will use a Garmin watch daily and will communicate not only how she uses it to pursue her goals as a track and field athlete but also, as a representative of female runners, the appeal and enjoyment of running and how to use Garmin. [Garmin Ambassador: Yuka Akasaki] Track and field athlete / Affiliated with Craftia, from Akita Prefecture. Born in Akita Prefecture. While attending Daito Bunka University, she participated in the All-Japan University Women's Ekiden and the Fujisan Women's Ekiden a total of 8 consecutive times, achieving consecutive second-place finishes. She placed 6th at the Paris 2024 Olympics and updated her personal best to finish 3rd at the 2025 Osaka International Ladies Marathon. Her favorite model is the 'Forerunner 570'. She will become a Garmin Japan brand ambassador from June 3, 2026. Worn model: Forerunner 570 Yuka Akasaki I have been using Garmin since I was a student, so I am very honored to become its ambassador. As I train towards my goals, Garmin is an indispensable partner for training management and conditioning. I have recently felt the growing popularity of running, and it has many benefits for both health and mental well-being. Running can be easily started with just a pair of shoes, but adding Garmin makes running more enjoyable and enhances the QOL of life. As an ambassador, I hope to spread the joy of running to many people. Let's enjoy running together with me and Garmin! [Brand Video Featuring Yuka Akasaki - Release Information] Scheduled release date: From early June 2026, sequentially *Subject to change Garmin for Run Special Site *Videos will also be released sequentially on the special site See details [About Garmin Ambassadors] Garmin welcomes leading figures from various fields as Garmin ambassadors who use its products in various sports and activities. In May, professional soccer player Yuto Nagatomo was newly appointed as an ambassador. Other ambassadors include professional runner Yuki Kawauchi, professional golfers Aie Iwai and Chisato Iwai, as well as professional athletes and instructors in cycling, mountaineering, surfing, snowboarding, and skateboarding, who train daily with Garmin. See details [Garmin Running GPS Watch 'Forerunner' Series] The 'Forerunner' series is attractive for its high functionality, offering everything from precise measurement and analysis, training advice, workouts for improving physical function, to safety features during running, all in one watch. It offers a wide lineup tailored to the purpose and level of users, from beginners to top runners aiming for records, and is highly rated by runners worldwide. See details Series flagship model 'Forerunner 570' / New products 'Forerunner 170 / 170 Music' [About Garmin] Garmin is a GPS equipment manufacturer founded in the United States. It was established in 1989 by Gary Burrell and Min H. Kao. The company name Garmin is derived from parts of the founders' names, Gary and Min. Since its founding, Garmin has consistently aimed to create navigation and communication devices that enrich lifestyles. The company develops innovative products across a wide range of fields, including wireless technology, automotive, aviation, marine, fitness, and outdoor, and has manufactured and sold hundreds of millions of GPS receivers. It has been consistently profitable since its founding and is included in the U.S. stock index S&P 500. https://www.garmin.co.jp/ *Brand names, company names, and other proper nouns listed in this release are trademarks, trade names, or registered trademarks of their respective companies. *Prices, release dates, and specifications listed in this release are subject to change without notice. Garmin Japan Co., Ltd. https://www.garmin.co.jp/ 1-7-6 Fujimino Higashi, Fujimi City, Saitama Prefecture 354-0036 TEL: 049-267-9114　　FAX: 049-267-9124　　E-mail: jp_Info@garmin.com