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Phone Number Basics

How to Make Phone Calls During Disasters - Using the 171 Message Dial

About 2 min read

Phones Don't Work During Disasters

During major earthquakes, call volume can spike 50-60x normal, with up to 90% of calls blocked.

171 Disaster Message Dial

Free NTT service for recording/playing 30-second voice messages. Dial 171 → press 1 to record (enter your home number, leave message) or 2 to play (enter the number you want to check).

Prepare in Advance

Decide which phone number your family will use as the message hub. Practice on the 1st and 15th of each month when 171 is open for trial use.

During Disasters

Use 110/119 for emergencies. Use 171, LINE, or email for safety checks instead of regular calls. Keep calls short.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use 171 outside of disasters?

Yes, on the 1st and 15th of every month, during Disaster Prevention Week (Aug 30-Sep 5), and New Year's (Jan 1-3). Practice with your family.

Can I use 171 from a smartphone?

Yes. You can also use web171 (https://www.web171.jp/) from smartphones and computers to leave text messages.

Which phone number should I enter when leaving a message on 171?

Enter the 'reference number' your family agreed on in advance. Typically the home landline number. If you don't have a landline, designate one family member's mobile number. Everyone leaves messages under the same number so the family can check on each other.

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