List of Emergency Numbers in Japan
Important Numbers
- Police (Crimes, Traffic Accidents, and Suspicious Activities): 110
- Fire and Ambulance (Medical and Fire Emergencies): 119
- Japan Coast Guard (Maritime Emergencies): 118
- Disaster Emergency Message Dial (Natural Disasters): 171
- Child Abuse Consultation Hotline: 189
- TELL Lifeline (English Language Mental Health Support): 0800-300-8355
- Tokyo Fire Department Emergency Medical Advice: 03-3212-2323
- Poison Control Center: 072-727-2499
- Tourist Information Helpline: 03-3201-3331
Understanding emergency numbers in Japan is crucial for both residents and visitors. Unlike some countries that use a single number for all emergency services, Japan has designated different numbers for specific needs. This guide provides a comprehensive overview to ensure you can access the help you need promptly.
Police Service
In Japan, the police emergency number is 110. This number should be dialed to report crimes, traffic accidents, or any situation requiring immediate police assistance. Operators are available 24/7, but English-speaking operators may not always be available. In major cities like Tokyo and Osaka, interpretation services might be accessible.
When to Call 110
- Criminal Activities: If you witness or are a victim of theft, assault, or any other crime.
- Traffic Accidents: To report collisions or seek assistance at an accident scene.
- Suspicious Activities: If you observe behavior that seems unlawful or poses a threat.
- Lost or Stolen Property: If important personal belongings like passports or wallets are lost or stolen, police reports can be filed at local police stations.
For non-emergency situations or general inquiries, you can contact the police by dialing 9110. This line is suitable for reporting minor incidents or seeking advice, but support in English is limited.
Fire and Medical Emergencies
For fire incidents or medical emergencies requiring an ambulance, dial 119. This connects you to the fire department, which also handles emergency medical services. Operators primarily speak Japanese, but in some regions, interpretation services may be available.
If you require an ambulance but are unsure whether the situation is severe enough, you can consult the Emergency Telephone Consultation Center by dialing 7119, available in multiple languages in select areas.
When to Call 119
- Fires: To report any fire, whether residential, commercial, or wildfires.
- Medical Emergencies: For situations like severe injuries, chest pain, difficulty breathing, or any condition that poses an immediate threat to life.
- Serious Accidents: If someone suffers a major injury, whether at home or outside, for example in a serious traffic accident or similar situations.
Maritime Emergencies
For emergencies at sea, such as boating accidents, people overboard, or other maritime distress, contact the Japan Coast Guard by dialing 118. This service is available 24/7 for any incidents occurring in Japanese waters.
When to Call 118
- Boating Accidents: If you are involved in a collision or incident at sea.
- Maritime Distress: If a vessel is sinking or someone has fallen overboard.
- Environmental Hazards: If you need to report oil spills or marine pollution.
In case of a tsunami warning, move to higher ground immediately and follow the Japan Meteorological Agency‘s (JMA) alerts**.**
Disaster Communication Services
Japan is prone to natural disasters like earthquakes, typhoons, and tsunamis. The Disaster Emergency Message Dial (171) system allows you to record and retrieve messages to inform family and friends of your safety when traditional communication lines are disrupted.
Additionally, the Japan Meteorological Agency provides real-time disaster alerts through mobile phone notifications, TV broadcasts, and radio stations. Keeping a disaster preparedness kit and knowing evacuation routes is highly recommended.
Reporting Child Abuse
To report cases of child abuse or to seek assistance, dial 189 to connect to the National Child Consultation Hotline. This helpline connects you to child consultation centers that can provide support and intervention services. Reports can be made anonymously.
Mental Health Support
For mental health crises, or if you need someone to talk to, the Tokyo English Lifeline offers confidential support in English. You can reach them at 0800-300-8355. They provide assistance for various issues, including depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.
The Inochi no Denwa Suicide Hotline can be reached at 03-6634-2556. It is a Japanese language support line for those experiencing or who are concerned about others who may be experiencing suicidal thoughts or ideation.
Additional Emergency Numbers
Tokyo Fire Department Emergency Medical Advice
The Tokyo Fire Department Emergency Medical Advice helpline (03-3212-2323) is available for those who require non-emergency medical guidance. This service is particularly useful for individuals experiencing minor health issues who are unsure whether they need hospital treatment or if self-care is sufficient. The helpline is staffed by medical professionals who can offer first aid advice, guidance on symptoms, and recommendations on appropriate medical facilities.
Poison Control Center
The Poison Control Center (072-727-2499) operates 24/7 to provide assistance in cases of poisoning. If someone has ingested a potentially harmful substance — such as household chemicals, medications, or spoiled foods — call this number for immediate advice. Operators can offer instructions on whether to induce vomiting, whether to take water, or if immediate hospital treatment is necessary. This service is invaluable for parents, pet owners, and individuals working in environments where hazardous substances are present.
Tourist Emergency Support
The Tourist Information Helpline (03-3201-3331) is designed to assist visitors with various inquiries, including emergency guidance. Because tourists in Japan may face difficulties navigating the healthcare system or reporting incidents due to language barriers, this helpline provides multilingual support, helping foreign travelers with medical emergencies, lost property, natural disasters, and other urgent matters.
Language Assistance and Useful Japanese Phrases
While some emergency operators may speak English, it is beneficial to know some basic Japanese phrases, in case you are in public and nobody is available to help with translation. Below are some useful phrases, including the written Japanese in the event you need to show it:
Useful Phrases
- Help! – 助けて！ (Tasukete!)
- Call an ambulance! – 救急車を呼んでください！ (Kyūkyūsha wo yonde kudasai!)
- I need a doctor. – 医者が必要です。 (Isha ga hitsuyō desu.)
- I don’t feel well. – 具合が悪いです。 (Guai ga warui desu.)
- There’s a fire! – 火事です！ (Kaji desu!)
- Call the police! – 警察を呼んでください！ (Keisatsu wo yonde kudasai!)
- I was in an accident. – 事故に遭いました。 (Jiko ni aimashita.)
- I lost my passport. – パスポートをなくしました。 (Pasupōto wo nakushimashita.)
- Where is the nearest hospital? – 一番近い病院はどこですか？ (Ichiban chikai byōin wa doko desu ka?)
Having these phrases written down or saved on your phone can be helpful in emergencies.
Examples of Conversations When Calling 110 or 119
Calling 110 (Police)
Operator: 110番です。事件ですか？事故ですか？
(110-ban desu. Jiken desu ka? Jiko desu ka?)
(This is 110. Is it a crime or an accident?)
Caller: 事故です。車とバイクの衝突です。
(Jiko desu. Kuruma to baiku no shōtotsu desu.)
(It’s an accident. A car and a motorcycle collided.)
Operator: どこで起こりましたか？
(Doko de okorimashita ka?)
(Where did it happen?)
Caller: 新宿駅の近くです。
(Shinjuku-eki no chikaku desu.)
(Near Shinjuku Station.)
Calling 119 (Fire and Ambulance)
Operator: 119番です。火事ですか？救急ですか？
(119-ban desu. Kaji desu ka? Kyūkyū desu ka?)
(This is 119. Is it a fire or a medical emergency?)
Caller: 救急です。友人が倒れました。
(Kyūkyū desu. Yūjin ga taoremashita.)
(It’s a medical emergency. My friend has collapsed.)
Operator: 意識はありますか？
(Ishiki wa arimasu ka?)
(Is the person conscious?)
Caller: いいえ、ありません。
(Iie, arimasen.)
(No, they are not.)
Operator: 住所を教えてください。
(Jūsho wo oshiete kudasai.)
(Please tell me the address.)
Caller: 渋谷区○○町3-5です。
(Shibuya-ku ○○-chō 3-5 desu.)
(It’s 3-5, ○○ Town, Shibuya Ward.)
The Importance of Knowing Emergency Numbers and Procedures
Familiarizing yourself with these emergency numbers and procedures ensures that you can act swiftly and effectively during critical situations in Japan. Understanding how to navigate the emergency response system will not only provide peace of mind but also ensure that you receive any assistance you need in a timely manner.