How do I call emergency services in Japan and what numbers to use
In Japan, emergency services are reached by dialing 110 for police and 119 for fire or medical emergencies. These numbers can be called 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, stay calm and say whether it is a fire (“Kaji desu”) or a medical emergency (“Kyūkyū desu”). A few short words are better than a long explanation at the start, because the dispatcher needs the category first and then the location. Give the full address, including building name, floor, and room number if possible, since large apartment blocks and office buildings can be hard to identify quickly.
A practical emergency script in Japanese is:
- Kaji desu. — It is a fire.
- Kyūkyū desu. — It is an ambulance / medical emergency.
- Juusho wa [address] desu. — The address is [address].
- [Building name] no [floor] kai desu. — It is on the [floor] floor of [building name].
For mobile calls, keep the phone on after dialing, because emergency services may call back to confirm details. On a public phone, no coins or card are needed; just pick up the receiver and dial, or press the red emergency button if the phone has one. 7, 10
Even if Japanese is limited, operators can connect callers with interpreters for English, Chinese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, and several other languages—remaining on the line is important. 2, 6, 7, 9 In a stressful situation, this interpreter support matters because clear communication of the address and the type of emergency is more important than speaking perfect Japanese. A little spoken practice with these short phrases can make a real difference under pressure, especially because emergency calls require quick, active listening rather than passive vocabulary recognition.
Special Considerations
Some office IP phone systems may block emergency numbers, so it is safer to use a mobile phone or ask someone nearby to place the call from another line. Japan also has a network of koban (police boxes) in cities, where help can often be requested in person if a phone call is difficult. 10
If it is unclear whether an ambulance is necessary, #7119 connects callers to a medical consultation center that assesses the situation and advises what to do next. This number is useful for fever, minor injuries, or symptoms that feel worrying but are not obviously life-threatening. Using it for uncertain cases helps keep 119 available for true emergencies [web 5
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Dialing the wrong number for the situation. Use 110 for police matters and 119 for fires or medical emergencies.
- Leaving out the address. Dispatchers need the exact location, not just a neighborhood name.
- Hanging up too soon. The operator may need to call back or verify details.
- Trying to explain too much at once. Start with the emergency type, then the location, then the condition of the person or scene.
- Assuming English will always be enough. Interpreter support exists, but speaking slowly and staying on the line still matters.
Quick Reference
| Situation | Number to Dial | What to Say First |
|---|---|---|
| Fire | 119 | Kaji desu |
| Injury, collapse, breathing trouble | 119 | Kyūkyū desu |
| Crime, theft, assault, traffic accident | 110 | State the problem and location |
| Unsure if an ambulance is needed | #7119 | Describe symptoms briefly |
| At sea or near the coast | 118 | Say it is a maritime emergency |
| Family contact during disaster | 171 | Follow the recorded instructions |
Useful Japanese Phrases for an Emergency Call
- Tasukete kudasai. — Please help.
- Eki no chikaku desu. — It is near the station.
- Koko ni kite kudasai. — Please come here.
- Byōnin ga imasu. — There is a sick person here.
- Keisatsu o onegaishimasu. — Please send the police.
In an emergency, short and accurate language is best. The most important information is the number of the emergency service, the exact location, and whether the situation is fire, medical, or police-related.