Emergency Contacts: 110, 119, and Beyond
Emergency Contacts in Japan: A Comprehensive Guide for International Students (110, 119, and Beyond)
Moving to Japan to pursue your studies is an exhilarating adventure. From the neon lights of Shinjuku to the serene temples of Kyoto, the country offers a unique blend of modernity and tradition. Japan is also globally renowned for its safety and low crime rates. However, "safe" does not mean "accident-proof." Natural disasters, sudden illnesses, and unexpected incidents can happen to anyone.
As an international student, one of the most critical aspects of your orientation should be understanding how to access emergency services. When adrenaline is high and your heart is racing, the language barrier can feel like an insurmountable wall. This guide is designed to dismantle that wall, providing you with the essential numbers, the cultural context of Japanese emergency services, and—most importantly—the exact scripts you need to get help quickly and effectively.
1. Understanding the Core Numbers: 110 vs. 119
In many countries, there is a single "911" or "999" number for all emergencies. In Japan, however, the services are split. Memorizing the difference is your first step toward safety.
110: The Police (Hyakutoban)
Call 110 when you need the police. This applies to crimes, traffic accidents, or if you feel you are in immediate danger. Whether you are a victim of a theft or a witness to a hit-and-run, 110 is the number to dial.
119: Fire and Ambulance (Kyukyu / Kaji)
Call 119 for medical emergencies or fires. Unlike some countries where these are separate departments, in Japan, the Fire Department manages both the fire trucks and the ambulances (kyukyu-sha). It is important to note that ambulance services in Japan are free for transport, but you will be responsible for the medical costs incurred at the hospital.
Quick Reference Table: When to Call Which Number
| Situation | Number to Dial | Japanese Name |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic Accident | 110 | Keisatsu (Police) |
| Theft / Robbery | 110 | Keisatsu (Police) |
| Physical Altercation | 110 | Keisatsu (Police) |
| Fire / Smoke | 119 | Kaji (Fire) |
| Sudden Illness | 119 | Kyukyu (Ambulance) |
| Serious Injury | 119 | Kyukyu (Ambulance) |
| Lost Property | Visit a Koban | Police Box |
2. Calling 110: Reporting Crimes and Accidents
When you dial 110, the operator will likely start by asking if you are reporting an incident (jiken) or an accident (jiko).
What to Expect
- Stay Calm: The operator may speak English in major cities like Tokyo or Osaka, but you should be prepared to use basic Japanese.
- Location is Key: If you don’t know your address, look for a vending machine or a utility pole. They often have the block and lot number (Chome-Ban-Go) printed on them.
- The "Koban" System: If it is not an immediate life-or-death emergency (like a lost wallet), look for a Koban. These are small police boxes located near train stations and in neighborhoods. They are staffed 24/7 and are very welcoming to international students.
Script for Calling 110 (Police)
Operator: Keisatsu desu. Jiken desu ka? Jiko desu ka? (Police. Is it a crime or an accident?)
You (For an Accident): Jiko desu. (It is an accident.)
You (For a Theft): Dorobo desu. (It is a theft/robbery.)
Operator: Basho wa doko desu ka? (Where is the location?)
You: [Station Name] no chikaku desu. (It is near [Station Name].)
Or: Basho ga wakarimasen. [Convenience Store Name] no mae desu. (I don't know the location. I am in front of [Store Name].)
Operator: Anata no namae to denwa bango wa? (What is your name and phone number?)
You: Watashi no namae wa [Your Name] desu. Denwa bango wa [Your Number] desu. (My name is [Name]. My phone number is [Number].)
3. Calling 119: Reporting Medical Emergencies and Fires
The 119 operators are trained to distinguish between fire and medical needs immediately. The first word you say is vital.
The Critical Distinction: Kaji vs. Kyukyu
The operator will ask: "Kaji desu ka? Kyukyu desu ka?" (Fire or Ambulance?)
- Kaji: Fire.
- Kyukyu: Ambulance (Medical).
When to Call an Ambulance
In Japan, you should call an ambulance for serious conditions: loss of consciousness, heavy bleeding, chest pain, or severe difficulty breathing. For minor injuries or mild fevers, it is better to take a taxi to a clinic, as using an ambulance for non-emergencies can delay response times for life-threatening cases.
Script for Calling 119 (Ambulance/Fire)
Operator: 119-ban desu. Kaji desu ka? Kyukyu desu ka? (This is 119. Is it a fire or an ambulance?)
You (Medical): Kyukyu desu. (Ambulance, please.)
You (Fire): Kaji desu. (Fire, please.)
Operator: Dou shimashita ka? (What happened?)
You (Illness): Tomodachi ga taoreta. (My friend collapsed.)
You (Injury): Kega desu. Chi ga deteimasu. (It's an injury. There is bleeding.)
Operator: Basho wa doko desu ka? (Where is the location?)
You: [Building Name] no [Floor Number] kai desu. (It is the [Floor] floor of [Building].)
Table: Useful Medical Vocabulary for 119 Calls
| English | Japanese (Romaji) | Japanese (Kanji/Kana) |
|---|---|---|
| Sick | Byoki | 病気 |
| Hurt / Pain | Itai | 痛い |
| Unconscious | Ishiki ga nai | 意識がない |
| Difficulty breathing | Iki ga kurushii | 息が苦しい |
| High fever | Netsu ga takai | 熱が高い |
| Chest pain | Mune ga itai | 胸が痛い |
| Bleeding | Chi ga dete iru | 血が出ている |
4. Beyond the Basics: Important Supplementary Numbers
While 110 and 119 are the primary lifelines, Japan offers several other "consultation" numbers that can prevent a situation from becoming a full-blown emergency.
#7119: The Medical Consultation Hotline
If you are unsure whether you should call an ambulance or if you can wait until morning to see a doctor, dial #7119. This is a consultation service staffed by nurses and doctors who can advise you on the urgency of your symptoms. (Note: Available in major cities; check your local municipality for availability).
#9110: Police Consultation
If you are being stalked, harassed, or have concerns about a non-emergency legal matter, dial #9110. This connects you to the police consultation desk rather than the emergency dispatchers, ensuring you get the advice you need without blocking emergency lines.
Mental Health Support: TELL Japan
Studying abroad can be stressful, and mental health is just as important as physical health.
- TELL Lifeline: 03-5774-0999 (Available daily, usually 9 AM to 11 PM).
- They provide confidential support in English, which is a vital resource for international students struggling with homesickness or depression.
The Japan Coast Guard: 118
If you are near the ocean—perhaps on a beach trip in Okinawa or Kanagawa—and see a maritime accident or a person drowning, the number is 118.
5. Practical Tips for a Smooth Emergency Response
Knowing the numbers is half the battle; being prepared to use them is the other half. Here are some pro-tips for international students:
- Enable Location Services: Ensure your smartphone’s GPS is active. Japanese emergency operators can often pinpoint your location automatically if you call from a mobile phone, but having it active increases accuracy.
- Use Translation Apps: If you are struggling with a specific medical term, use an app like Google Translate. However, keep your sentences short and simple.
- Prepare an "Emergency Card": Keep a card in your wallet with your address in Japanese, your blood type, any allergies, and your emergency contact's name. In a crisis, you can simply show this to a bystander or an officer.
- The "Three-Way Call" System: In many prefectures, if the operator detects you cannot speak Japanese, they will initiate a three-way call with an English interpreter. Do not hang up if you hear a brief silence or a new voice; wait for the interpreter to join.
- Look for Vending Machines: Japan is famous for its vending machines. Almost every machine has a sticker at the bottom or side indicating the exact address of that location. If you are lost and need to call 110, find the nearest machine.
Final Thoughts for Students
Emergency situations are frightening, especially in a foreign country. However, Japan’s emergency response teams are highly professional, efficient, and increasingly equipped to handle non-Japanese speakers. By memorizing 110 and 119, and keeping a few key phrases in your pocket (or on your phone), you are taking a massive step toward ensuring your safety.
Don't be afraid to call. If you truly feel you are in danger or your health is at risk, the operators would rather you call and have it be a minor issue than have you wait until it becomes a tragedy. Stay safe, stay informed, and enjoy every moment of your student life in Japan!
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes. Always follow the instructions of local authorities and emergency personnel during a real crisis.