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Emergency Numbers

Key nationwide emergency contact numbers, such as 110 for police and 119 for fire and ambulance services.

Sections

Emergency Numbers in Japan

  1. Police (Crime, Theft, Traffic Accidents, etc.)

    • Number: 110
    • Availability: 24/7
    • Languages Supported: Primarily Japanese, but English and other languages may be available depending on the operator and location.
    • Purpose: To report crimes, suspicious activities, or traffic accidents.

  2. Fire and Ambulance Services (Fire, Medical Emergencies, Rescue)

    • Number: 119
    • Availability: 24/7
    • Languages Supported: Primarily Japanese, but some operators may provide assistance in English or other languages.
    • Purpose: To report fires, request an ambulance, or call for rescue services.

  3. Maritime Emergencies (Coast Guard)

    • Number: 118
    • Availability: 24/7
    • Languages Supported: Primarily Japanese, with limited English support.
    • Purpose: To report maritime accidents, emergencies at sea, or suspicious activities in coastal areas.

  4. Non-Emergency Medical Consultation (After-Hours or Non-Urgent)

    • Number: #7119 (varies by region)
    • Availability: Varies by region; typically available during after-hours or weekends.
    • Languages Supported: Japanese; English support may be limited.
    • Purpose: For non-urgent medical advice or guidance on whether to visit a hospital.

  5. Child Emergency Medical Consultation

    • Number: #8000
    • Availability: Varies by region; typically available during after-hours or weekends.
    • Languages Supported: Japanese.
    • Purpose: For parents seeking advice on medical emergencies involving children.

National Regulations

  • Accessibility: Emergency numbers (110, 119, and 118) are toll-free and can be dialed from any phone, including public payphones and mobile phones, without requiring coins or a SIM card.
  • False Reporting: Making prank or false emergency calls is a criminal offense in Japan and can result in fines or imprisonment.
  • Location Tracking: Emergency services can track your location if you call from a mobile phone, but providing clear and accurate details is still essential.

General Costs

  • Police Services (110): Free of charge.
  • Fire and Rescue Services (119): Free of charge.
  • Ambulance Services (119): Free of charge for the ambulance ride itself. However:
    • Medical treatment and hospital fees are not free and will depend on your health insurance coverage.
    • Foreign visitors without Japanese health insurance may need to pay the full cost of medical services upfront.
  • Maritime Emergencies (118): Free of charge.

Standard Procedures When Calling

  1. Dial the Appropriate Number:

    • 110 for police.
    • 119 for fire or ambulance.
    • 118 for maritime emergencies.

  2. Provide Key Information:

    • Your Location: Be as specific as possible. Use landmarks, street names, or GPS coordinates if available.
    • Nature of the Emergency: Clearly explain what has happened (e.g., fire, injury, theft).
    • Your Contact Information: Provide your phone number in case they need to call you back.
    • Language Needs: If you do not speak Japanese, say "Eigo" (English) to request an English-speaking operator. Be patient, as they may need time to connect you to someone who can assist.

  3. Follow Instructions:

    • Stay calm and listen carefully to the operator's questions and instructions.
    • Do not hang up until the operator confirms they have all the necessary information.

  4. Prepare for Arrival:

    • If you called for an ambulance or fire services, ensure the area is accessible for emergency vehicles.
    • Wave down emergency responders if you are in a hard-to-spot location.

Cultural and Country-Specific Considerations

  1. Language Barrier:

    • While some emergency operators may speak English or other languages, most communication will be in Japanese. Learning basic emergency phrases in Japanese can be helpful.
    • Alternatively, use translation apps or services like the Japan Tourism Hotline (050-3816-2787), which offers multilingual support for tourists.

  2. Efficiency and Punctuality:

    • Japanese emergency services are known for their efficiency and punctuality. Ambulances and fire trucks typically arrive quickly, especially in urban areas.

  3. Ambulance Usage:

    • Ambulances in Japan are used strictly for emergencies. Do not call an ambulance for minor injuries or non-urgent medical issues.
    • Ambulances will take you to the nearest hospital that can provide appropriate care, but this may not always be the closest hospital.

  4. Public Payphones:

    • Public payphones in Japan can be used to call emergency numbers for free. Look for green or gray payphones, which are common in urban areas.

  5. Cultural Norms:

    • Japanese people are generally reserved and polite, even in emergencies. Staying calm and respectful during an emergency call is important.
    • If you witness an emergency, it is culturally acceptable and encouraged to assist by calling for help, even if you are not directly involved.

  6. Tourist Support:

    • The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) operates a 24/7 Japan Visitor Hotline (050-3816-2787) for tourists needing assistance, including during emergencies. They provide support in English, Chinese, Korean, and Japanese.

Key Tips for Visitors and Immigrants

  • Save Emergency Numbers: Program 110, 119, and 118 into your phone for quick access.
  • Learn Basic Japanese Phrases:
    • "Kaji desu" (There is a fire).
    • "Kega desu" (There is an injury).
    • "Dorobou desu" (There is a thief).
  • Carry Identification: Always carry your residence card (for immigrants) or passport (for tourists), as emergency responders may ask for identification.
  • Know Your Location: Familiarize yourself with your surroundings, including nearby landmarks and addresses, to provide accurate information during an emergency.

By understanding Japan's emergency numbers, regulations, and procedures, you can navigate emergencies effectively and ensure your safety while in the country.