Japan's Emergency Numbers
Japan has several emergency numbers for different situations. Knowing each number's role helps you report quickly and accurately in an emergency. Emergency numbers are toll-free and can be dialed from landlines, mobile phones, and public phones.
Knowing how to use emergency numbers correctly is essential for protecting yourself and those around you. Familiarize yourself with the calling procedures so you can respond calmly when it matters. It is also important to prepare recommended emergency supplies in advance.
Each Number's Role and Calling Procedure
110 - Police Emergency
Used for reporting crimes, traffic accidents, and suspicious persons. Your call connects to the nearest prefectural police communications center, and patrol cars or officers are dispatched. You will be asked "Is this an incident or an accident?" - describe the situation concisely.
About 9 million calls are made to 110 annually, with roughly 20% being non-urgent consultations or wrong numbers. For non-urgent matters, use the police consultation line (#9110).
119 - Fire and Ambulance
Used for reporting fires and requesting ambulances. You will be asked "Is this a fire or a medical emergency?" For ambulance requests, communicate the patient's condition (consciousness, breathing, bleeding).
Average ambulance arrival time is about 9 minutes. While waiting, the dispatcher may guide you through first aid, including CPR and AED use over the phone.
118 - Japan Coast Guard
Used for maritime accidents and incidents - ship distress, ocean accidents, poaching, and marine pollution. Connects to the regional Coast Guard headquarters, which dispatches patrol vessels and aircraft.
What to Communicate When Calling
- Location: Address, landmark buildings, intersection names - be as specific as possible. If you do not know the address, mention nearby signs or building names
- Situation: Briefly describe what is happening (accident, fire, medical emergency, etc.). For crimes, include suspect descriptions and direction of flight
- Injuries: Number of people and their condition (conscious/unconscious, bleeding, able to walk)
- Your information: Provide your name and contact number. You may receive a callback for additional details
Calling from a Mobile Phone
When calling 110 or 119 from a mobile phone, GPS data is automatically transmitted. However, GPS accuracy may be insufficient indoors or in certain conditions. Provide the address or landmarks verbally when possible.
After calling, keep your phone on and be ready to answer callbacks. The dispatcher may request additional information or provide instructions until help arrives. Mobile calls may sometimes connect to a dispatch center outside the local jurisdiction, making accurate address communication especially important.
Other Important Consultation Lines
- #9110 (Police Consultation): For non-urgent consultations and safety concerns
- #7119 (Emergency Consultation Center): When unsure whether to call an ambulance. Staffed by doctors and nurses
- #8000 (Pediatric Emergency Hotline): For sudden illness or injury in children. Staffed by pediatricians and nurses
- 188 (Consumer Hotline): For consumer issues and fraudulent business practices
- 189 (Child Consultation): For reporting child abuse and parenting consultations
What to Do If You Call by Mistake
If you accidentally dial 110 or 119, do not hang up - tell them it was a mistake. Hanging up silently may be interpreted as an emergency, potentially triggering a dispatch.
Historical Background
Japan's emergency call system began in 1948 with the introduction of 110 for police. Initially only in Tokyo, it was expanded nationwide with the 1954 Police Act revision. The 119 number for fire/ambulance was established in 1927 - actually older than 110. Originally 112, it was changed to 119 because the short dialing distance of 112 caused too many accidental calls. The 118 number for the Coast Guard began operation in 2000. Compared to emergency numbers around the world, Japan's 3-digit system is internationally well-designed.
Practical Advice for Emergencies
Preparation
- Memorize your home address: In a panic, you may forget even your own address. Save it in your smartphone's notes app
- Know nearby landmarks: When calling from outside, get in the habit of noting nearby convenience stores, intersections, and building names
- Learn basic first aid: Knowing CPR and AED use helps you follow dispatcher instructions after calling 119. Emergency calling guide books provide a solid foundation
During the Call
Answer the dispatcher's questions as accurately as you can. If you do not know something, simply say so. The most important thing is not to hang up. Stay on the line until the dispatcher has gathered all necessary information and follow any additional instructions.
Public Phones and Emergency Calls
Public phones can dial 110 and 119 without coins or phone cards. Press the red emergency button, pick up the receiver, and dial. During disasters, public phones receive priority connection even when regular lines are congested, making them a vital emergency communication tool. Why public phones serve as a last resort during disasters is covered in a separate article.
Smartphone Emergency SOS Features
On iPhone, pressing the power button 5 times rapidly activates Emergency SOS, which auto-dials emergency services and shares your location with designated contacts. Android phones offer similar functionality. Both platforms allow dialing emergency numbers directly from the lock screen. Setting up Emergency SOS on children's phones is also an effective family safety measure.
Configure these features in advance: iPhone Settings > Emergency SOS; Android Settings > Safety & Emergency. Register emergency contacts and enable automatic calling for maximum effectiveness.
Emergency Calls During Disasters
Immediately after a major disaster, phone lines become congested and 110/119 may be hard to reach. In such situations, use these alternatives:
- Disaster Message Dial (171): Record and check safety messages by dialing 171 and following the voice guidance
- Disaster Message Board: Register and view safety information online. Provided by each carrier
- Social media: Share safety information via Twitter (X) or LINE. Text-based communication puts less load on networks than voice calls
- Emergency alerts: Municipal disaster radio and carrier emergency alert emails (Area Mail) are also important information sources
Regularly review how to use emergency numbers so you can respond quickly and appropriately when the time comes.