Knowing what to do in an emergency could save your life. Japan’s emergency services are excellent — but the language barrier can be a real obstacle. Here’s what every foreigner in Japan needs to know.
Essential Emergency Numbers
| Number | Service | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 110 | Police (警察) | Crime, accidents, lost persons |
| 119 | Fire and Ambulance (消防/救急) | Fires, medical emergencies |
| 118 | Coast Guard (海上保安庁) | Maritime emergencies |
| #7119 | Medical consultation hotline | Available in some regions; advice on whether to go to ER |
Calling 110 (Police)
Call 110 for:
- Crime in progress
- Traffic accidents
- Suspicious persons or activity
- Lost items (report at police box / 交番 for non-urgent cases)
What to Say
Operators are trained to handle foreign callers. Say:
“英語話せますか？” (Eigo hanasemasu ka?) — “Do you speak English?”
Or immediately:
“I need help. I am at [location]. There is [problem].”
Many regional police centers now have multilingual interpreter services available via three-way call.
Non-Emergency Police
For non-urgent matters (lost wallet, noise complaint), visit your nearest 交番 (Koban) — police box. These are in every neighborhood and staffed 24/7.
Calling 119 (Ambulance / Fire)
Call 119 for:
- Medical emergencies
- Fires
- Accidents with injuries
What to Say
“救急車をお願いします” (Kyukyusha wo onegaishi masu) — “I need an ambulance”
Then state your location as clearly as possible. If you don’t know the address, describe landmarks or read the nearest address plate (the green plates on utility poles show block and building numbers).
Ambulance Service
- Response time: average 8–9 minutes in urban areas
- Ambulance is FREE in Japan (hospital treatment costs apply)
- Ambulance staff will do basic treatment on-site before transporting
Refusing Hospital Transport
You cannot direct which hospital the ambulance goes to — they determine the appropriate facility.
Medical Emergencies
Urgent Medical Care (非救急)
For serious but non-life-threatening conditions:
- Go to an ER / 救急外来 (Kyukyu Gaira) at a hospital
- Search: “救急病院” in your area on Google Maps
- City hall websites list designated emergency hospitals by area
After-Hours Medical Consultation
- #7119 — Ask whether you need emergency care (available in major cities; English interpretation available in some regions)
- Tokyo Metropolitan Medical Information Service: 03-5285-8181 (24/7)
Paying for Emergency Medical Care
- Emergency treatment is billed to your health insurance
- Foreign residents with Japanese insurance: pay 30% co-pay as usual
- Without insurance (tourist): pay full amount upfront; may be able to claim from travel insurance afterward
Earthquake Emergency Protocol
Japan has a nationwide earthquake early warning system (緊急地震速報, Kinkyuu Jishin Sokuho).
Earthquake Early Warning Alert
A distinctive loud beeping sound from your phone and public speakers. You have 5–20 seconds before shaking starts.
Immediately:
- Get under a sturdy table or desk
- Protect your head
- Stay away from windows, bookshelves, and heavy furniture
- Do NOT run outside (most injuries happen outdoors from falling objects)
During Shaking
- Stay low and hold on
- If in the kitchen, turn off the gas stove if it’s safe to reach (but prioritize safety first)
- If driving, pull over slowly
After Shaking Stops
- Check for gas smell — if detected, open windows and leave (don’t turn on lights or use electrical switches)
- Listen for aftershocks — Japan has significant aftershock sequences
- Follow instructions from emergency broadcasts (NHK on TV/radio)
Earthquake Emergency App
Download Safety tips (セーフティーチップス) — official Japan government app with English alerts for earthquakes, tsunamis, and typhoons.
Typhoon Emergency
Typhoon season: June–October (peak: August–September).
Preparation
- Stock 3 days of water and food
- Charge devices fully before the storm
- Secure outdoor items
- Know your evacuation center (避難場所) — posted at city hall and on local government websites
During Typhoon
- Stay indoors
- Avoid rivers and low-lying areas
- Watch NHK World (nhk.or.jp/world) for English updates
Lost or Stolen Items
Lost Items
Japan has an exceptional lost and found system:
- Police boxes (交番) — submit lost items or inquire about found items
- Lost and Found (落とし物センター) — every train line has one
- Wallets and electronics returned with contents intact is common in Japan
Stolen Items
- Report to the nearest police box
- Get a crime report document (被害届) — needed for insurance claims and embassy reports
Emergency Contacts for Your Embassy
Keep your home country’s embassy emergency line saved:
- USA: 03-3224-5000
- UK: 03-5211-1100
- Australia: 03-4550-5000
- Canada: 03-5412-6200
Embassies can assist with: lost passport, arrest, serious medical emergency, death of a citizen.