Your Japan Lifeline: Navigating 110 & 119 Emergency Calls 🇯🇵📞

Konnichiwa, future residents of Japan! 👋 As your dedicated teacher at Samurai Japan Business Center, my biggest hope is for your safety and well-being as you embark on your exciting journey. While we always wish for smooth sailing, it’s incredibly important to be prepared for any situation, especially emergencies. Knowing how to react in a critical moment can make all the difference, and that includes understanding Japan’s emergency call system: 110 for the Police and 119 for Fire and Ambulance.

Think of this guide as your personal emergency preparedness kit. We’ll break down everything you need to know, from which number to call to what to say, and even useful Japanese phrases. Let’s empower you with the knowledge to navigate any unexpected challenge confidently!

Why Knowing Your Emergency Numbers is Non-Negotiable 💡

Living in a new country, even one as safe and organized as Japan, means being ready for anything. Whether it’s a lost wallet, a medical emergency, or witnessing an accident, knowing the correct number to dial and what information to provide can significantly reduce stress and speed up response times. For Filipinos, who are often known for their resilience and adaptability, adding this crucial knowledge to your toolkit will ensure an even smoother transition into Japanese life.

Calling 110: When to Contact the Police 🚨

The number 110 (ひゃくとうばん – hyakutōban) is your direct line to the police in Japan. You should call 110 for situations that require immediate police intervention. Unlike some countries where you might call for minor inconveniences, 110 is reserved for genuine emergencies or crimes.

When to Call 110:

• Theft or Robbery: If your belongings are stolen or you witness a robbery.
• Assault or Violence: If you or someone else is being physically harmed or threatened.
• Traffic Accidents with Injury or Major Damage: While minor fender-benders might be handled by insurance, serious accidents require police.
• Suspicious Activity: If you see something that looks genuinely dangerous or criminal.
• Finding Lost Items (sometimes): For items like wallets, phones, or passports, you might go to a nearest koban (police box) first, but 110 is for more urgent cases.

Key Phrases for Calling 110

Phrase (Japanese)	Meaning (English)	When to Use
警察ですか？ (Keisatsu desu ka?)	Is this the police?	Confirm you’ve reached the police.
事件です。(Jiken desu.)	It’s an incident/crime.	To state the general situation.
泥棒です。(Dorobou desu.)	It’s a thief/robbery.	Reporting a theft.
喧嘩です。(Kenka desu.)	There’s a fight.	Reporting a physical altercation.
事故です。(Jiko desu.)	It’s an accident.	Reporting a traffic accident.
○○(場所)です。(○○ (Basho) desu.)	It’s at ○○ (location).	Crucially, state your location.
英語を話せますか？ (Eigo wo hanasemasu ka?)	Can you speak English?	If you need language assistance.

Calling 119: When to Contact Fire or Ambulance 🚒🚑

The number 119 (ひゃくじゅうきゅうばん – hyakujūkyūban) is for both fire emergencies (火事 – kaji) and medical emergencies requiring an ambulance (救急車 – kyuukyuusha). It’s vital to clearly state which service you need as soon as the operator answers.

When to Call 119:

• Fire: Any type of fire, no matter how small it seems.
• Sudden Illness: If you or someone nearby experiences sudden severe symptoms like chest pain, unconsciousness, severe difficulty breathing, or stroke symptoms.
• Serious Injury: From accidents, falls, or deep wounds that require immediate medical attention.
• Accidents with Injury: Especially traffic accidents where someone is hurt.

Key Phrases for Calling 119

Phrase (Japanese)	Meaning (English)	When to Use
消防ですか？ (Shōbō desu ka?)	Is this the fire department?	Confirm you’ve reached the correct service.
火事です。(Kaji desu.)	There’s a fire.	To report a fire.
救急車をお願いします。(Kyuukyuusha wo onegaishimasu.)	Please send an ambulance.	To request an ambulance.
人が倒れています。(Hito ga taorete imasu.)	Someone has collapsed.	Reporting someone is unconscious.
怪我をしました。(Kega wo shimashita.)	I was injured / Someone was injured.	Reporting an injury.
お腹が痛いです。(Onaka ga itai desu.)	My stomach hurts.	Describing a symptom (can adapt for other pains).
英語を話せますか？ (Eigo wo hanasemasu ka?)	Can you speak English?	If you need language assistance.

General Tips for Any Emergency Call 📞🌍

Regardless of whether you call 110 or 119, there are universal guidelines that will help ensure a smoother and more effective response, especially if Japanese is not your first language.

1. Stay Calm and Speak Clearly:

   It’s natural to panic, but try to take a deep breath. Speak slowly and clearly. The operator needs to understand you, and panic can make communication difficult.

2. State Your Location First:

   This is the single most critical piece of information. Provide your exact address (住所 – jūsho), or if you don’t know it, provide nearby landmarks, street names, or even descriptions of buildings. Operators can often use your phone’s GPS, but verbal confirmation is always best.

3. Explain the Situation Briefly and Clearly:

   What happened? Who is involved? Are there injuries? Is there a fire? Keep it concise but include essential details. Example: 「火事です。〇〇アパートの３階です。」(Kaji desu. ○○ Apart no san-kai desu.) – “There’s a fire. On the 3rd floor of the ○○ Apartment.”

4. Your Name and Contact Number:

   Provide your name (名前 – namae) and the phone number you are calling from (電話番号 – denwa bangō). This allows them to call you back if the line gets disconnected.

5. Don’t Hang Up Until Instructed:

   The operator might have follow-up questions or instructions. Stay on the line until they tell you it’s okay to hang up.

Preparation is Key: Your Emergency Checklist ✅

Being prepared doesn’t mean anticipating disaster; it means building confidence to handle any situation. Here’s a simple checklist to help you get ready:

You’ve Got This! 🎉

Learning about emergency procedures might seem a bit daunting, but it’s an essential part of becoming a confident and responsible resident of Japan. You’re not just learning Japanese; you’re learning how to live safely and thrive in a new environment. At Samurai Japan Business Center, we believe in equipping you with all the tools, not just language, to achieve your dreams.

Remember, being prepared means peace of mind. By taking the time to understand these vital lifelines, you’re taking a huge step towards a secure and fulfilling life in Japan. Keep studying, keep exploring, and know that you are capable of handling anything that comes your way!