Teacher’s Tip: Your 110 Emergency Guide for Life in Japan 🇯🇵📞

Hello, future Japan residents! Konnichiwa! 👋 As your language teacher, I often emphasize not just learning Japanese grammar and vocabulary, but also preparing for practical, real-life situations. One of the most important aspects of living safely in any country is knowing what to do in an emergency. In Japan, one crucial number you must know is 110. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about calling 110 in Japan, designed specifically for you, our amazing Filipino learners! Let’s get you ready to feel confident and safe. ✨

Understanding Japan’s Emergency System: Why 110? 🚨

Just like 911 in the Philippines or other countries, Japan has its own dedicated emergency numbers. For situations involving the police, a crime, or an accident that requires police intervention, the number to call is 110. It connects you directly to the police, ready to assist you in various urgent scenarios. Remember, knowing this number is your first line of defense in unexpected situations. Knowing when and how to use it can make all the difference. 💡

When to Dial 110: Recognizing an Emergency ⚠️

It’s vital to know when to call 110. It’s not for minor inquiries or non-urgent matters. This line is specifically for police emergencies. Here are common scenarios where dialing 110 is appropriate:

• Crime in Progress (事件 – jiken):

  If you witness a robbery, assault, theft, or any other criminal activity happening right now. Your immediate call can help prevent further harm or apprehend suspects quickly.

• Traffic Accidents (交通事故 – kōtsū jiko):

  If you are involved in a car accident, or witness one, especially if there are injuries or significant property damage. Even minor collisions often require police reports for insurance purposes.

• Sudden Disappearance (行方不明 – yukuefumei):

  If someone, especially a child or vulnerable person, goes missing and you suspect foul play or immediate danger.

• Suspicious Activity (不審な行動 – fushin na kōdō):

  If you observe someone acting suspiciously, loitering, or behaving in a way that suggests they might commit a crime or cause harm. Trust your instincts.

• Disturbances (騒ぎ – sawagi):

  Severe public disturbances, fights, or other situations that threaten public order and safety.

What to Say When You Call 110: A Step-by-Step Guide 🗣️

When you call 110, try to stay calm and speak clearly. The operator will ask you several questions to understand the situation. Here’s a basic flow and some essential Japanese phrases:

1. Identify Yourself & State Your Purpose:
   • 「もしもし、警察ですか？」 (Moshi moshi, keisatsu desu ka?) – “Hello, is this the police?” (They will confirm it is.)
   • 「事件です。」 (Jiken desu.) – “It’s a crime/incident.” (For a crime)
   • 「事故です。」 (Jiko desu.) – “It’s an accident.” (For a traffic accident)
   • 「助けてください。」 (Tasukete kudasai.) – “Please help me.” (If you are in direct danger)
2. State Your Location (This is CRITICAL!):
   • 「場所は[〇〇]です。」 (Basho wa [name of place/address] desu.) – “The location is [name of place/address].”
   • Try to provide an exact address or the name of a nearby landmark (e.g., station name, famous building, park).
   • If you don’t know the exact address, describe your surroundings as best as you can. For example, 「[〇〇]駅の近くです。」 ([〇〇] Eki no chikaku desu.) – “It’s near [〇〇] Station.” Or describe visible shops, intersections.
3. Describe the Situation:
   • Keep it concise and clear. What happened? When? Who is involved?
   • 「[〇〇]がありました。」 ([〇〇] ga arimashita.) – “[〇〇] happened.”
     • Example: 「泥棒がありました。」 (Dorobō ga arimashita.) – “A robbery happened.”
     • Example: 「喧嘩がありました。」 (Kenka ga arimashita.) – “A fight happened.”
   • 「怪我人がいます。」 (Keganin ga imasu.) – “There are injured people.” (If applicable)
   • 「犯人は[〇〇]です。」 (Hannin wa [description] desu.) – “The culprit is [description].” (e.g., 男 otoko (man), 女 onna (woman), 背が高い se ga takai (tall), 帽子をかぶっています bōshi o kabutte imasu (wearing a hat)).
4. Your Name and Contact Number:
   • They will ask for your name (お名前 – onamae) and phone number (電話番号 – denwa bangō).
   • 「私の名前は[〇〇]です。」 (Watashi no namae wa [your name] desu.)
   • 「電話番号は[〇〇]です。」 (Denwa bangō wa [your number] desu.)
5. Stay on the Line:
   • Do not hang up until the operator tells you to. They might need more details or give you instructions.

Essential Vocabulary for Emergencies 📚

Here’s a table of crucial Japanese vocabulary that can help you communicate during an emergency call:

Emergency Vocabulary for 110 Calls

Japanese	Romaji	English Meaning
警察	Keisatsu	Police
事件	Jiken	Incident / Crime
事故	Jiko	Accident
場所	Basho	Location
住所	Jūsho	Address
助けてください	Tasukete kudasai	Please help me
怪我人	Keganin	Injured person(s)
犯人	Hannin	Culprit / Perpetrator
不審者	Fushinsha	Suspicious person
分かりません	Wakarimasen	I don’t understand
英語を話せますか？	Eigo o hanasemasu ka?	Can you speak English?

Preparation is Key: Be Ready Before an Emergency Strikes 🔑

The best way to handle an emergency is to be prepared. Here are some actionable tips you can implement starting today:

• Memorize Key Information:

  Know your full address (including building name and room number) and your current phone number. Write it down in your phone’s notes or on a card in your wallet in both English and Japanese. This is especially important for location-based emergencies.

• Learn Basic Directional Words:

  Knowing words like 右 (migi – right), 左 (hidari – left), まっすぐ (massugu – straight), 前 (mae – front), 後ろ (ushiro – back) can help you describe locations if you’re outdoors.

• Familiarize Yourself with Your Area:

  Walk around your neighborhood. Identify major landmarks like train stations, convenience stores (konbini), schools, or parks. These can be crucial reference points if you need to describe your location to emergency services.

• Practice Emergency Phrases:

  Go over the phrases in the table above. Even just saying them out loud a few times can help them stick in your memory under pressure.

• Keep Your Phone Charged:

  A simple but often overlooked tip. Always try to keep your phone sufficiently charged, especially when going out.

• Have a Map App Ready:

  Google Maps or other navigation apps can provide your precise location (GPS coordinates or street address) which you can relay to the operator.

Feeling Confident and Prepared! 🎉

Learning Japanese isn’t just about passing tests; it’s about confidently navigating your new life in Japan. Knowing how to react in an emergency, even if it’s just knowing the right number to call and a few key phrases, is a massive step towards ensuring your safety and peace of mind. While we hope you never have to call 110, being prepared means you’re empowered to handle anything. Keep practicing your Japanese, keep exploring, and remember, your teachers are here to support you every step of the way! Ganbatte kudasai! 💪