Sendai

1. Emergency Services in Sendai

Japan has a highly efficient emergency response system. In Sendai, you can access emergency services for police, fire, and medical assistance by dialing the following numbers:

• Police (Emergency): 110

  • Use this number to report crimes, accidents, or suspicious activities.
  • English-speaking operators are available, but it’s helpful to know basic Japanese phrases.
  • Free of charge.

• Fire and Ambulance (Emergency): 119

  • Use this number to report fires or request an ambulance for medical emergencies.
  • English-speaking operators are available, but communication may be smoother with basic Japanese.
  • Free to call, but ambulance transport may incur a fee (see below under "Medical Assistance").

How to Call:

• Dial the number (110 or 119) from any phone, including public payphones.
• Clearly state your location and the nature of the emergency. If you don’t speak Japanese, say “English, please.”

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2. Disaster Preparedness in Sendai

Sendai is located in a region prone to earthquakes and tsunamis, so disaster preparedness is a priority. The city has robust systems in place to ensure safety during natural disasters.

Key Resources:

• Sendai City Disaster Prevention Center (仙台市民防災センター)

  • Location: 3-1-1 Asuto Nagamachi, Taihaku-ku, Sendai
  • Services:
    • Offers disaster preparedness training and simulations (e.g., earthquake simulators).
    • Provides information on evacuation procedures and emergency kits.
    • Multilingual materials are available for non-Japanese speakers.
  • Cost: Free.
  • Access: 5-minute walk from Nagamachi Station (JR or Subway).

• Evacuation Centers

  • In the event of a disaster, designated evacuation centers (避難所, Hinanjo) are set up in schools, community centers, and public buildings.
  • Maps of evacuation centers are available on the Sendai City website and at local ward offices.
  • Many centers provide basic necessities, but it’s advisable to prepare a personal emergency kit.

Cultural Considerations:

• Japanese disaster drills are common, and participation is encouraged. These drills are an excellent way to learn about local procedures and meet community members.
• Respect the orderly and calm approach that Japanese people take during emergencies.

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3. Police Support in Sendai

The police in Sendai are approachable and provide a range of services beyond crime prevention, including lost-and-found assistance and traffic accident reporting.

Key Resources:

• Koban (Police Boxes)

  • Small police stations, or "Koban" (交番), are located throughout the city.
  • Services:
    • Reporting crimes or lost items.
    • Asking for directions or assistance.
    • Reporting minor accidents.
  • Cost: Free.
  • Access: Look for the small buildings with a red light outside. Officers are usually friendly and helpful.

• Miyagi Prefectural Police Headquarters

  • Location: 3-8-1 Honcho, Aoba-ku, Sendai.
  • Services:
    • Handles more serious crimes and issues.
    • Provides multilingual support for foreigners in some cases.
  • Contact: 022-221-7171 (non-emergency inquiries).

Cultural Considerations:

• Always carry your residence card (if you’re a resident) or passport (if you’re a visitor), as police may ask for identification.
• Be polite and cooperative when interacting with officers.

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4. Medical Assistance in Emergencies

Sendai has excellent medical facilities, including hospitals and clinics that cater to emergencies. However, language barriers can sometimes be a challenge.

Key Resources:

• Ambulance Services

  • Dial 119 for an ambulance.
  • Ambulance transport is free, but you may be charged for medical treatment at the hospital.

• Emergency Hospitals

  • Tohoku University Hospital (東北大学病院)
    • Location: 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai.
    • Services: Comprehensive emergency care, including for foreigners.
    • Contact: 022-717-7000.
  • Sendai City Hospital (仙台市立病院)
    • Location: 3-1 Shimizu-koji, Wakabayashi-ku, Sendai.
    • Services: General emergency care.
    • Contact: 022-266-7111.

• Miyagi Emergency Medical Information Center

  • Phone: 022-263-1199.
  • Provides information on nearby hospitals and clinics, including those with English-speaking staff.
  • Available 24/7.

Costs:

• Medical treatment in Japan is not free. If you have Japanese health insurance, you’ll pay 30% of the total cost. Without insurance, you’ll need to pay the full amount.
• Emergency room visits can cost between ¥10,000 and ¥30,000, depending on the treatment.

Cultural Considerations:

• Bring your health insurance card (if applicable) and identification.
• Be prepared to pay in cash or by credit card, as some hospitals may not accept other payment methods.

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5. Additional Safety and Security Resources

• Sendai Multicultural Center (仙台多文化共生センター)

  • Location: 3-11-15 Tsutsujigaoka, Miyagino-ku, Sendai.
  • Services:
    • Provides multilingual support for foreigners, including information on safety and disaster preparedness.
    • Offers interpretation and translation services.
  • Contact: 022-224-1919.
  • Cost: Free.

• Sendai International Center

  • Location: 3-7-1 Honcho, Aoba-ku, Sendai.
  • Services:
    • Offers resources for foreigners, including safety guides and cultural orientation.
    • Hosts events to help newcomers integrate into the community.
  • Contact: 022-265-2471.

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6. Important Cultural and Local Considerations

• Language Barrier:

  • While many emergency services have English-speaking staff, it’s helpful to learn basic Japanese phrases or carry a translation app.
  • Example phrases:
    • “Kaji desu!” (火事です!) – There’s a fire!
    • “Kega o shimashita.” (怪我をしました) – I’m injured.
    • “Tasukete kudasai!” (助けてください!) – Please help me!

• Community Spirit:

  • Japanese people value cooperation and orderliness, especially during emergencies. Follow instructions from authorities and volunteers.

• Preparedness:

  • Keep a personal emergency kit with essentials like water, food, a flashlight, and a portable phone charger.
  • Familiarize yourself with the nearest evacuation center and emergency contacts.

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Conclusion

Sendai is a safe and well-prepared city, but understanding its safety and security resources is crucial for peace of mind. Whether you’re a visitor or a resident, knowing how to access emergency services, disaster preparedness centers, police support, and medical assistance will help you navigate any situation confidently. Always stay informed, be prepared, and embrace the community spirit that defines Sendai.