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
Language Tips for Calling Emergency Services in Japan
For polyglots and language learners, mastering a few key Japanese phrases can make a critical difference when calling emergency services. The most important words to know are:
- Kaji desu (火事です) – “There is a fire.”
- Kyūkyū desu (救急です) – “It’s a medical emergency.”
- Keisatsu (警察) – “Police”
Using these phrases promptly communicates the nature of the emergency. When giving your location, the common format for Japanese addresses is from larger to smaller area: prefecture, city, ward, neighborhood, block, building number, then apartment number. If you are unsure, repeating the name of the nearest station or landmark helps.
Example:
“Tokyo-to, Shinjuku-ku, Nishi-Shinjuku, 2 chome, 8 ban, 1 gou, Room 405.”
Practicing these phrases ahead of time increases confidence and speeds up communication during stressful situations.
Common Mistakes and Misconceptions
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Dialing 911: Many visitors mistakenly dial their home country’s emergency number (e.g., 911 for Americans instead of Japanese numbers). 911 will not connect you to Japanese emergency services. Make sure to remember 110 for police and 119 for fire/ambulance while in Japan.
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Switching off phone immediately: Turning off your phone right after calling 119 or 110 can interrupt callbacks from emergency services that may be verifying details or giving instructions.
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Assuming English support is guaranteed: Although interpreter services are available, there might be delays in connecting to an English speaker. Preparing simple phrases or knowing how to provide location and problem clearly in Japanese speeds up help.
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Using office landlines for emergency calls: Some office phone systems block emergency numbers or require special dialing before external lines. When in a new office setting, keep a mobile phone easily accessible for emergencies.
When to Use #7119 – Medical Consultation Hotline
Japan’s #7119 service is unique and useful for non-life-threatening medical concerns where it is unclear if an ambulance is necessary. This helps reduce unnecessary ambulance dispatches and keeps emergency channels free for more serious cases.
This hotline is staffed by medical professionals who can provide advice on symptoms and next steps, such as visiting a nearby clinic or going to a hospital. It can be especially helpful for multilingual learners who might want medical advice without a rush.
Note: #7119 is not for emergencies, but rather for guidance.
Differences Compared to Other Countries
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No 112 number: Unlike many European countries that use 112 as a universal emergency number, Japan maintains separate numbers for police (110) and fire/ambulance (119). This separation means you must choose the correct line depending on the emergency.
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Multilingual support: Japan’s emergency operators provide interpreter services for several languages, which is less common in many countries. This can be reassuring for travelers and expatriates.
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Free public phone calls: Using payphones for emergency calls in Japan requires no coins or cards. This contrasts with some places where emergency calls from payphones may require operator assistance.
Useful Emergency Phrases in Multiple Languages
For polyglots living in or visiting Japan, knowing how to communicate emergency information in several languages can be lifesaving, especially in multicultural environments:
| Language | Phrase for “It’s an emergency” | Phrase for “Fire” | Phrase for “Ambulance” |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japanese | Kyūkyū desu (救急です) | Kaji desu (火事です) | Kyūkyūsha wo onegaishimasu (救急車をお願いします) |
| English | This is an emergency | Fire | Ambulance, please |
| Spanish | Es una emergencia | Fuego | Ambulancia, por favor |
| Chinese | 紧急情况 (Jǐnjí qíngkuàng) | 火灾 (Huǒzāi) | 救护车 (Jiùhùchē) |
| Korean | 긴급 상황입니다 (Gingeup sanghwang-imnida) | 화재입니다 (Hwajae-imnida) | 구급차를 불러주세요 (Gu-geupcha-reul bulleojuseyo) |
Knowing these core phrases can assist when direct communication with Japanese operators is difficult.
What to Expect After the Call
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Emergency services will dispatch responders based on the information provided. Ambulances and fire trucks usually arrive within minutes in urban areas but can take longer in rural regions.
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You may be asked to stay on the line until help arrives or an interpreter is available.
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Police arriving at the scene will expect clear communication; if language barriers exist, showing written information or using translation apps can facilitate cooperation.
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After receiving medical attention, further paperwork may be required, sometimes involving proof of identity or insurance details. Being prepared with basic documents helps.
Summary of Key Points for Easy Recall
- Dial 110 for police and 119 for fire or medical emergencies.
- Use #7119 for non-urgent medical consultation only.
- Always give your full address, repeat if necessary.
- Stay on the line until told you can hang up.
- Don’t switch off your phone after calling.
- Emergency calls from public phones are free and require no coins.
- Multilingual interpreter services are available.
- Learn basic emergency phrases in Japanese and other key languages.
- Use koban for in-person help if phone contact isn’t feasible.
This structured knowledge will help learners of Japanese or other languages navigate emergencies confidently, combining language skills with practical preparedness.