Emergency Contact Information When in Japan

In the case of an unfortunate event or emergency, it is essential to know whom to contact and how, especially in a foreign country. Read this guide to find out which numbers to call during an emergency, how to contact your national embassy, and what you may need to say and do.

Emergency Phone Numbers

Below is a list of emergency phone numbers for Japan, followed by instructions for calling these numbers.

Calling 119 (Fire/Ambulance)

In the event of a fire or medical emergency, follow the steps below; make sure that you are safe before taking action.

• Tell the operator whether you are calling due to a fire and/or medical emergency.

• Report the manner and condition of the injury or sickness, including when, where, and how.

• Tell the operator your name, your phone number, and the address of your location; if you do not know the exact address, describe your surrounding area (e.g. nearest station, name of intersection, nearby landmarks) in as much detail as possible.

• Do not hang up until the operator is fully aware of the above information, and until the operator hangs up first.

• Meet the ambulance/fire truck (or send someone) outside once you hear the sirens.

Calling 110 (Police)

In the event of a crime or accident, follow the steps below while making sure that you are safe first.

• Tell the operator the manner of the incident or accident, such as when, where, and how.

• Give them your name, contact information, and address; if you do not know the exact address, describe your surrounding area in as much detail as possible.

• Do not hang up until the operator is fully aware of the above information, and until the operator hangs up first.

• Do not move locations until the police arrive.

• In case of a traffic accident, be sure to get the name, address, phone number (home and office), and number plate of the person at fault, as well as any witnesses; you may need their testimony later on. Take pictures of the scene of the accident as well.

Things to Remember

Here are some other things to remember during an emergency:

• 110 and 119 are toll-free; if you are using a public phone, you do not need to insert coins before calling. Press the red emergency button (newer phones don't have one) before calling.

• Ambulances and fire trucks are free of charge.

  • This has led to instances of people calling ambulances for very minor injuries; it goes without saying that this is not advised. If you are unsure of whether or not to call an ambulance, call 7119.

• It is recommended that if you do not speak Japanese very well, you ask help from someone that can, such as a friend, neighbor, landlord, or concierge.

• In the event of an emergency such as a natural disaster, tune into Inter FM (76.1 FM) for radio updates in multiple languages.

• While many telephone poles have the address printed on them on a green plate, make sure you take note of surrounding landmarks in case you do not know the address.

• In case someone is unconscious, AEDs (automated external defibrillator) can be found at almost all major facilities, including train stations, convenience and department stores, and gyms.

• You can also report crimes or inquire for lost items at local police boxes, or “kobans.” Two or three policemen are stationed at these koban 24/7, and most speak basic English (especially in large cities). On maps they are marked with an X.

Useful Phone Numbers

Below is a list of other phone numbers in Japan you may find handy; most, but not all, offer basic English services.

Embassies in Japan

The following is a list of major embassies in Japan, their contact details and websites. If your country is not listed here, you can also refer to the full list.