日Chapter 05 · Daily life
Emergency & Safety
Essential numbers, phrases, and safety tips for life in Japan
In a life-threatening emergency, call 119 (fire/ambulance) or 110 (police) immediately. Operators may have limited English — use the phrases below.
Emergency Numbers
These numbers are free and available 24/7 from any phone.
Non-Emergency Consultation
Not sure if it's an emergency? Call these numbers for advice.
Essential Emergency Phrases
Key phrases to communicate in an emergency. Tap to listen or copy.
助けて！
Tasukete!
Help!
救急車を呼んでください
Kyūkyūsha wo yonde kudasai
Please call an ambulance
警察を呼んでください
Keisatsu wo yonde kudasai
Please call the police
医者が必要です
Isha ga hitsuyō desu
I need a doctor
近くの病院はどこですか？
Chikaku no byōin wa doko desu ka?
Where is the nearest hospital?
アレルギー反応があります
Arerugī hannō ga arimasu
I'm having an allergic reaction
日本語が話せません
Nihongo ga hanasemasen
I don't speak Japanese
住所は…です
Jūsho wa ... desu
My address is...
Earthquake Safety
Japan experiences frequent earthquakes. Know what to do.
- 1
Drop, Cover, Hold On
Get under a sturdy desk or table. Cover your head and neck. Hold on until the shaking stops.
- 2
Check for hazards
After shaking stops, check for injuries and damage. Be ready for aftershocks.
- 3
Go to your evacuation shelter
If your building is damaged, go to the nearest designated evacuation area (hinan basho). Check signs in your neighborhood.
- 4
Turn off gas, secure water
Turn off gas valves. Fill bathtub and containers with water. Gas supply may be auto-cut but verify manually.
Useful Resources
Official safety resources and tools for foreigners in Japan.