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List of emergency telephone numbers and consultation in Japan: covering police, fire, ambulance, etc.

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Woman on the phone in an emergency.

It is very important for foreigners to know the emergency phone numbers to call the police or an ambulance in case of emergencies they may face during their stay in Japan.

This article details Japanese emergency telephone numbers that can be useful in the event of a crime, accident, or health emergency. We will also explain which number to call and when to call it, as well as how to proceed with the conversation when making a call, with specific examples.

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List of emergency telephone numbers in Japan

While living in Japan, you may have emergencies or need advice. Here is a list of emergency phone numbers in Japan that you should especially keep in mind. The numbers for police (110) and fire and emergency services (119) should be especially kept in mind so that you can be prepared for any situation.

We also have a support line where you can consult with us when you need help with your life and relationships.

Phone numberWhere does it lead?When do we contact you?
110policeFor reporting crimes and emergencies
119Fire station, ambulanceIn case of fire or medical emergency
118Japan Coast Guard (formerly Maritime Safety Agency)In the event of an accident or incident at sea
171Disaster Message DialTo keep in touch with family members in the event of a disaster
189Child Guidance Center Abuse Response DialCounseling for suspected child abuse and parenting concerns
03-4550-1146Tokyo English Inochi no DenwaWhen you have mental problems or difficulties in your life
0120-279-338Yoritai Hotline Foreign Language LineCounseling on multilingual living and relationship issues
#9110Dedicated phone for police consultationCounseling in cases where it is uncertain whether the case is related to a crime or accident, such as stalking, domestic violence, malicious business practices, etc.

Explanation of Japanese emergency telephone numbers

The following is a specific explanation of how the emergency phone numbers introduced earlier can be useful in dealing with emergencies in Japan.

110: Police

110 is called when a crime or accident occurs. When reporting, you must clearly state whether it is an incident or accident and provide a detailed description of the circumstances of the occurrence.

When you call, the first thing they ask is, "Is this an incident or an accident?" You will be asked, "Is it an incident or an accident? Answer "Yes, it's an incident" or "Yes, it's an accident," and state the situation clearly. Next, provide detailed information about the accident or incident, including whether you are a victim or a witness.

#9110: Police

#9110 is a dedicated service for consultations regarding crimes and accidents that do not require emergency dispatch. It connects you directly to a specialized police consultant, who can discuss concerns about specific crimes such as stalking, fraud, domestic violence, cybercrime, etc. If necessary, you can be passed on to the relevant department or other specialized agencies.

Unlike 110, it specializes in consultations that do not require immediate dispatch.

119: Fire department and ambulance

Call this number in the event of a fire or medical emergency. when you call 119, you will first be asked, "Is this a fire or medical emergency?" You will be asked if you are calling for a fire or an emergency. Depending on the situation, answer either "fire" or "medical emergency." If it is a fire, explain the situation, and if it is an emergency, describe the specific symptoms. You will then be asked if an ambulance is needed and for information such as your name and address.

Please refer to this article ▼
How to call an ambulance in Japan? What to tell them and what to prepare

118: Accidents and incidents at sea

118 is the number to use when you encounter an accident or incident at sea. It is called when you need to be rescued at sea or when you witness an incident at sea.

171: Disaster Message Dial

117 is used to leave a safety confirmation message to confirm that you and your family and friends are safe and sound in the event of an earthquake, volcanic eruption, or other large-scale disaster in the area where you and your family and friends live, and the communication environment deteriorates.

189: Child Guidance Center Abuse Response Dial

Contact 189 when you suspect abuse of your child or when you need help with childcare issues. Professional counselors will respond and provide appropriate advice.

03-4550-1146: Tokyo English Life Phone

Tokyo English Inochi no Denwa is a contact for free mental health counseling in English. It provides advice on daily life and support for children and women to foreign residents.

TEL 03-4550-1146 (English), 03-4550-1147 (Japanese)

0120-279-338: YORISOI helpline for foreign people

The Yorai Hotline provides counseling for all kinds of problems, including life problems, relationship problems, workplace problems, domestic violence, and sexual violence. In addition to English, multilingual services are available in Chinese, Spanish, Vietnamese, and other languages.

Example of a conversation with a Japanese emergency phone number

When foreigners call the police or fire department in Japan, some may be concerned about their ability to converse well in Japanese. So, here is an example of a conversation you would have if you were involved in an accident and called 110 (police). If you remember this conversation pattern, you will be able to respond smoothly when you actually need to.

Example of conversation when calling 110 (police)

Police: 「はい、警察です。事件ですか？事故ですか？」
( Hai, keisatsu desu. Jiken desu ka? Jiko desu ka?)

You: 「事故です」
(Jiko desu)

Police: 「あなたは当事者ですか？」
(Anata wa tojisha desu ka?)
(Tojisha: a person directly involved in the accident)

You: 「はい。当事者です」
(Hai. Tojisha desu)

Police: 「怪我はしていませんか？」
(Kega wa shite imasen ka?)

You: 「怪我はしていません」
(Kega wa shite imasen)

Police: 「あなたが今いる場所はXXで間違いありませんか？」
(Anata ga ima iru basho wa XX de machigai arimasen ka?)
(Police can tell where you are by GPS)

You: 「はい」
(Hai)

Police: 「今からそちらに向かいます」
(Ima kara sochira ni mukaimasu)

You: 「よろしくお願いします」
(Yoroshiku onegai shimasu)

Useful Japanese for Emergency Calls in Japan

This section introduces basic Japanese expressions useful for reporting and consulting with the police and fire department in an emergency situation in Japan. In order to respond quickly and effectively in an emergency, please memorize the following words in advance.

Japanese (language)Native language
犯罪（hanzai）crime
事件（jiken）Incident
強盗（goutou）Robbery
交通事故（koutsuu jiko）Traffic accident
犯人（hannin）Suspect/ Criminal
火事（kaji）fire
救急車（kyuukyuusha）Ambulance
けが人（keganin）Injured person

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summary

As a foreigner living in Japan, you may encounter crimes or accidents, and you may want to talk to someone about your problems. If you know the Japanese emergency phone numbers listed in this article, you can respond quickly in case of an emergency.

In particular, be sure to remember numbers 110 (police) and 119 (fire and emergency services) as the basic numbers to call in case of an emergency.

Emergency numbers are an important tool for your safety in Japan. Please memorize these numbers in advance and use them appropriately when needed.

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