How do I call emergency services in Japan and what numbers to use
In Japan, emergency services are accessed by dialing specific numbers depending on the situation: 110 for police and 119 for fire or medical emergencies. These numbers can be dialed from any phone, including mobiles and public phones, at no cost. 1, 5
Emergency Numbers
| Service | Number | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Police | 110 | For crimes, traffic accidents, or any law enforcement assistance 5 |
| Fire Department / Ambulance | 119 | For fires, medical emergencies, or rescue operations 1 |
| Non-urgent Medical Advice | #7119 | For situations where it’s unclear if an ambulance is needed 5 |
| Coast Guard | 118 | For maritime emergencies 5 |
| Disaster Safety Confirmation | 171 | For checking on family during disasters via recorded messages 5 |
How to Call
When calling 119, remain calm and clearly state whether it is a fire (“Kaji desu”) or a medical emergency (“Kyūkyū desu”). Provide your full address, including building name and room number, as dispatchers may not be able to locate you otherwise. Even if you don’t speak Japanese, operators can connect you with interpreters for English, Chinese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, and several other languages—simply stay on the line. 2, 6, 7, 9
For mobile calls, do not turn off your phone after dialing, as emergency services may call back to confirm details. If using a public phone, no coins or card are required—just lift the receiver and dial the number, or press the red emergency button if available. 7, 10
Special Considerations
Some office IP phone systems may block emergency numbers, so it’s advisable to use a mobile phone or ask colleagues for assistance in such environments. Additionally, Japan has a network of koban (police boxes) located throughout cities where you can seek help in person. 10
If you are unsure whether an ambulance is necessary, dial #7119 to reach a medical consultation center that will assess the situation and advise accordingly. This helps prevent overburdening emergency services with non-critical cases [web 5