An earthquake at 2 a.m., a hospital visit where no one speaks English, a typhoon warning you can’t read. Emergencies don’t wait until you’ve learned the language. Here’s the practical playbook every foreigner in Japan needs to have ready before anything goes wrong.

The Numbers You Need

SituationNumberNotes
Police110Free, 24/7
Fire / Ambulance119Free, 24/7
Coast Guard118Ocean emergencies
Medical advice (non-emergency)#7119Free, 24/7 in major cities; English in Tokyo
Children’s medical advice#8000Nights & weekends, all prefectures

These are free calls from any phone in Japan.

When to call #7119: Not sure if you need an ambulance? Call #7119 first. A trained nurse answers, asks about your symptoms, and tells you: call 119 now, go to the ER, or wait until morning. Free, takes 5–10 minutes. → Full guide to #7119 in Japan

Calling 110 (Police)

Call 110 for:

  • Crime — you’re a victim or you’ve witnessed one
  • Traffic accidents
  • Someone threatening or suspicious behavior

What to say:

“English please. I need police. I am at [your address or landmark].”

Most dispatch operators have some English capability. Speak slowly and clearly.

One thing worth knowing: police in Japan are generally very safe to contact. You won’t get into trouble just for calling.

Calling 119 (Ambulance or Fire)

Call 119 for:

  • Medical emergencies
  • Fire
  • Someone unconscious or seriously injured

What to say:

“Ambulance please. I’m at [address]. I speak English.”

Ambulances in Japan are free. Don’t hesitate because you’re worried about the cost. Call.

Earthquakes — What to Actually Do

Japan gets earthquakes. Most are small and you’ll barely notice them. Some aren’t. Here’s what to do:

While it’s shaking:

  1. Get low — under a desk or table if possible
  2. Protect your head with a bag, cushion, or your arms
  3. Stay away from windows and anything that could fall
  4. Don’t run outside immediately — falling glass and debris are the danger zone right after shaking starts

After it stops:

  1. Check yourself and people around you for injuries
  2. If you smell gas, open windows and get out immediately — don’t use light switches or your phone inside
  3. Head to an open outdoor space
  4. Listen for emergency broadcasts (NHK World Radio in English)

Your phone will alert you. Japan’s J-Alert system sends automatic earthquake and tsunami warnings to all phones in the affected area. The sound is loud and unmistakable. Take it seriously and act immediately.

Download the Safety Tips App

Safety Tips is a free app that sends earthquake, tsunami, and weather alerts in English (and other languages). Download it now, before you need it.

It’s one of the few things the Japanese government has done specifically to help foreign residents in emergencies. Use it.

Find Your Evacuation Site

Every neighborhood in Japan has a designated evacuation site (避難場所) — usually a park, school, or community center.

  • Look for the evacuation symbol signs near your home
  • Check your local city hall website for the nearest site to your address
  • Do this before anything happens, not during

English Emergency Resources

ResourceDetails
NHK World (nhk.or.jp/nhkworld)English emergency news and alerts 24/7
Safety Tips appFree, earthquake and tsunami alerts in English
JNTO Visitor Hotline050-3816-2787 — 24 hours, English available
AMDA Medical Info03-5285-8088 — English medical guidance

If You’re a Crime Victim

  1. Call 110 or walk into the nearest police box (交番)
  2. You can file a report in English — bring Google Translate if needed
  3. Contact your country’s embassy — they exist specifically to help citizens in situations like this

Embassy numbers in Tokyo:

CountryNumber
Philippines03-5562-1600
Vietnam03-3466-3313
Indonesia03-3441-4201

Lost Your Residence Card or Passport?

Lost residence card: Report to immigration within 14 days. Bring your passport and a photo to the nearest immigration office to apply for a replacement. Don’t wait on this — being without a residence card for too long creates problems.

Lost passport: Contact your embassy immediately. They can issue emergency travel documents. This is exactly what embassies are for.

Save These Right Now

Police:          110
Ambulance/Fire:  119
Medical advice:  #7119
JNTO Hotline:    050-3816-2787

And download Safety Tips from the App Store or Google Play.

Hopefully you never need any of this. But knowing it beforehand makes a real difference when something actually happens.

Travel insurance tip: If you travel outside Japan, your Japanese health insurance won’t cover you. SafetyWing is a popular choice for expats — affordable monthly plan, covers you worldwide.