If you’re in Japan and facing a medical situation that might not require an ambulance, #7119 is the number to call first. This free hotline connects you to nurses and medical coordinators who can advise whether you need emergency services or can wait to see a doctor.
What Is #7119?
#7119 (pronounced “shichi-ichi-ichi-kyū”) is Japan’s Kyūkyū Anshin Center (救急安心センター事業) — a free medical advice telephone service operated by local governments.
When you call:
- A trained nurse or medical coordinator answers
- They assess your symptoms and advise on urgency
- They can tell you whether to call 119 (ambulance), go to an emergency room, or wait and see a doctor in the morning
It’s not a substitute for 119 in a life-threatening emergency — it’s for when you’re unsure how serious the situation is.
#7119 vs 119: Which Do You Call?
| Situation | Call |
|---|---|
| Chest pain, trouble breathing, loss of consciousness | 119 immediately |
| Severe injury with heavy bleeding | 119 immediately |
| Child with high fever — unsure if serious | #7119 first |
| You fell and your arm hurts — unsure if broken | #7119 first |
| Stomach pain, vomiting — unsure if emergency | #7119 first |
| Mild symptoms, want advice before hospital visit | #7119 first |
Rule of thumb: If you’re wondering whether to call 119, call #7119 first.
Is #7119 Available in English?
Partially. The availability of English support varies by prefecture:
- Tokyo (#7119): English interpretation available (24 hours)
- Osaka (#7119): Limited English support
- Other major cities: Japanese primarily, with some interpreter assistance
When calling from English, say: “Do you have an English speaker? / Eigo wa hanasemasu ka?”
In Tokyo, you can also try:
- Tokyo English Life Line (TELL): 03-5774-0992 (counseling + referrals)
- Japan Helpline: 0120-46-1997 (24/7 English emergency assistance)
- AMDA International Medical Information Center: 03-5285-8088
How to Call #7119 in Japan
- Dial #7119 from any mobile or landline in Japan
- The call is free
- A coordinator will answer (may be Japanese — see below for tips)
- Describe your symptoms clearly and concisely
- Follow their advice: go to ER, call ambulance, or wait until morning
Useful Phrases When Calling
| English | Japanese (romaji) |
|---|---|
| I need medical advice | Iji sōdan ga shitai desu |
| I have a high fever | Netsu ga takai desu |
| I have chest pain | Mune ga itai desu |
| I have stomach pain | Onaka ga itai desu |
| I vomited | Hakimashita |
| My child is sick | Kodomo ga byōki desu |
| Do you speak English? | Eigo wa hanasemasu ka? |
#7119 Availability by Prefecture
Coverage as of 2025:
| Area | Number | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Tokyo | #7119 | 24 hours |
| Osaka | #7119 | 24 hours |
| Kanagawa | #7119 | 24 hours |
| Saitama | #7119 | 24 hours |
| Chiba | #7119 | 24 hours |
| Aichi (Nagoya) | #7119 | 24 hours |
| Fukuoka | #7119 | 24 hours |
| Kyoto | #7119 | 24 hours |
| Hyogo | #7119 | 24 hours |
| Some rural areas | May not be available | Check local government |
If #7119 doesn’t connect in your area, call your local city hall (yakuba) for the correct medical advice line, or go directly to the nearest emergency hospital (救急病院, kyūkyū byōin).
Japan’s Emergency Numbers: Complete List
| Number | Service |
|---|---|
| 119 | Ambulance (kyūkyū) + Fire (shōbō) |
| 110 | Police (keisatsu) |
| #7119 | Medical advice (non-emergency) |
| 118 | Coast guard (ocean emergencies) |
| #8000 | Children’s medical advice (nights/weekends) |
#8000 — For Children’s Medical Concerns
#8000 is specifically for children’s medical consultations at night and on weekends. A pediatric nurse or doctor advises whether to go to the emergency room.
- Available in all prefectures
- Hours vary by prefecture (typically evenings and weekends)
- Japanese only in most areas
What Happens If You Call 119 (Ambulance)?
If your situation is serious, call 119 directly.
In Japan:
- Ambulance service is free to call
- However, there may be charges at the receiving hospital
- Ambulance crews speak Japanese; use translation apps or simple phrases
- Tell the operator: “Kyūkyū desu. [Your address]” (It’s an emergency. [Address])
Ambulance Phrases
| English | Japanese |
|---|---|
| Please send an ambulance | Kyūkyūsha o yonde kudasai |
| My address is… | Jūsho wa… desu |
| The person is unconscious | Ishiki ga arimasen |
| Heart attack | Shinzō mahi |
| Difficulty breathing | Kokyū ga kurushii |
Hospitals in Japan: ER vs Clinic
Knowing where to go also matters:
| Place | When to go |
|---|---|
| 救急病院 (Kyūkyū Byōin) — Emergency Hospital | Serious symptoms, after 7119 advises ER |
| 大学病院 (Daigaku Byōin) — University Hospital | Major surgeries, complex conditions |
| クリニック (Kurinikku) — Clinic | Minor illness, cold, follow-up care |
| 休日診療所 (Kyūjitsu Shinryōjo) — Holiday Clinic | Weekends/holidays for non-emergency illness |
Most cities have a “Tokyo-to Byōin Annai”-style website (or English version) where you can search for open emergency hospitals by symptom.
Health Insurance in Japan for Foreigners
Using any hospital in Japan is significantly cheaper with health insurance. Foreigners on a valid residence card are enrolled in:
- Shakai Hoken (社会保険) — if employed full-time
- Kokumin Kenkō Hoken (国民健康保険) — if self-employed, part-time, or student
Both cover 70% of medical costs, so you pay only 30% out-of-pocket.
For travel or short stays: SafetyWing Nomad Insurance provides international health coverage by the month — ideal for visa gaps or before your Japanese insurance kicks in.