Fukuoka

1. Overview of Language Assistance Services in Fukuoka

Fukuoka, being a major city in Japan and a gateway to Asia, offers several language assistance services for emergencies. These services are designed to help non-Japanese speakers navigate critical situations such as medical emergencies, natural disasters, or interactions with law enforcement. The services are provided by government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private entities.

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2. Categories of Language Assistance Services

Language assistance in Fukuoka is typically available in the following emergency categories:

a. Medical Emergencies

• Fukuoka Medical Interpreting Services: Many hospitals and clinics in Fukuoka provide access to interpreters or multilingual staff. Some facilities use phone or video interpreting services.
• AMDA International Medical Information Center: This organization offers free multilingual medical consultation services over the phone. They can guide you to appropriate medical facilities and provide interpretation support.

b. Police and Crime-Related Emergencies

• Fukuoka Prefectural Police Foreign Language Support: The Fukuoka police provide interpretation services in English, Chinese, and Korean for reporting crimes or seeking assistance.
• Emergency Numbers: Dial 110 for police assistance. If you need language support, inform the operator, and they will connect you to an interpreter.

c. Fire and Ambulance Services

• Fukuoka City Fire Department Multilingual Support: Dial 119 for fire or ambulance services. The operators can access interpretation services in multiple languages, including English, Chinese, and Korean.

d. Natural Disasters

• Fukuoka Disaster Prevention Center: During natural disasters like earthquakes or typhoons, the center provides multilingual updates and guidance. They also offer interpretation services for evacuees.
• Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) Hotline: This 24/7 hotline provides emergency assistance in English, Chinese, Korean, and Japanese, including disaster-related information.

e. General Emergency Assistance

• JNTO 24/7 Multilingual Emergency Hotline: Dial +81-50-3816-2787 for help with any emergency situation, including medical, police, or disaster-related issues.
• Fukuoka City International Foundation (FCIF): The FCIF offers multilingual support for non-Japanese residents and visitors. They can assist with emergency interpretation and provide guidance on navigating local systems.

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3. Costs Associated with Language Assistance

• Free Services: Most emergency language assistance services, such as those provided by the police, fire department, and JNTO, are free of charge.
• Medical Interpreting: Some hospitals may charge a fee for interpretation services, especially if they use external providers. It’s best to confirm with the hospital in advance.
• Private Interpreters: If you hire a private interpreter for non-emergency situations, expect to pay hourly rates ranging from ¥3,000 to ¥10,000, depending on the language and provider.

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4. Procedures to Access Language Assistance

Here’s how to access language assistance in various emergency scenarios:

a. Medical Emergencies

1. Dial 119 for an ambulance and request language assistance.
2. Alternatively, contact the AMDA International Medical Information Center at 03-6233-9266 (available in multiple languages).
3. If visiting a hospital, ask the staff for interpreting services or use a translation app if immediate help is unavailable.

b. Police Assistance

1. Dial 110 and state your language (e.g., “English, please”).
2. The operator will connect you to an interpreter to facilitate communication.

c. Fire or Disaster Emergencies

1. Dial 119 and request language assistance.
2. Follow instructions provided by the interpreter or operator.

d. General Assistance

1. Call the JNTO hotline at +81-50-3816-2787 for any emergency-related queries.
2. For non-urgent matters, contact the Fukuoka City International Foundation at 092-262-1799.

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5. Cultural and Local Considerations

• Politeness and Patience: Japanese culture places a high value on politeness. Speak calmly and clearly when requesting assistance, even in emergencies.
• Limited English Proficiency: While Fukuoka is relatively international, English proficiency among locals may still be limited. Rely on official services for accurate communication.
• Translation Apps: Apps like Google Translate or Pocketalk can be helpful for basic communication but may not be reliable in complex emergencies.
• Emergency Preparedness: Familiarize yourself with basic Japanese phrases for emergencies, such as:
  • “Tasukete kudasai” (助けてください) – Please help me.
  • “Kega o shimashita” (怪我をしました) – I am injured.
  • “Byouin wa doko desu ka?” (病院はどこですか？) – Where is the hospital?

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6. Key Contact Information

Here’s a quick reference for emergency language assistance in Fukuoka:

| Service | Contact Number | Languages | |--------------------------------------|----------------------------|--------------------------------| | Police (Crime) | 110 | English, Chinese, Korean | | Fire/Ambulance | 119 | English, Chinese, Korean | | JNTO Emergency Hotline | +81-50-3816-2787 | English, Chinese, Korean, etc. | | AMDA Medical Information Center | 03-6233-9266 | English, Chinese, Korean, etc. | | Fukuoka City International Foundation| 092-262-1799 | English, Chinese, Korean |

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7. Additional Tips

• Carry Emergency Contact Information: Keep a card with emergency numbers and your address in Japanese to show locals or responders.
• Stay Updated: Follow Fukuoka City’s official website or social media channels for real-time updates during disasters.
• Emergency Apps: Download apps like “Safety tips” (by the Japan Tourism Agency) for multilingual alerts and guidance during emergencies.

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By familiarizing yourself with these services and procedures, you can navigate emergencies in Fukuoka with greater confidence and ease. Stay safe!