Guide
Emergency Numbers & Disaster Preparedness in Japan
Last updated: March 2026
Japan experiences earthquakes, typhoons, heavy rain, and occasionally volcanic activity. While the country is extremely well-prepared for natural disasters, knowing what to do — and who to call — is critical, especially when information is flying past in Japanese.
This guide covers emergency numbers, what to do during each type of disaster, essential apps, and key Japanese phrases that could help in an emergency.
Emergency Numbers
110
PoliceCrime, accidents, traffic incidents. Available 24/7. Some operators speak basic English — say "English please" if needed. For non-emergency police matters, visit your local police box (交番 / kōban).
119
Fire & AmbulanceFire, medical emergencies, rescue. Specify "Kyuukyuu desu" (救急です) for ambulance or "Kaji desu" (火事です) for fire. Ambulance service is free in Japan. Available 24/7.
171
Disaster Message DialLeave or listen to voice messages for family when phone lines are jammed after a major disaster. Dial 171, then follow the prompts (1 to record, 2 to play).
#7119
Medical AdviceNot sure if you need an ambulance? Call #7119 for medical consultation (available in Tokyo, Osaka, and some other areas). They'll advise whether to go to a hospital or call 119.
#9110
Police ConsultationNon-emergency police consultation line. For situations that aren't urgent but you need police advice — stalking, noise complaints, suspicious activity, etc.
Multilingual Support Lines
| Service | Number | Languages |
|---|---|---|
| Japan Helpline | 0570-000-911 | English, 24/7 |
| AMDA Medical Info | 03-6233-9266 | EN, CN, KR, PT, TH, etc. |
| Immigration Info | 0570-013-904 | EN, CN, KR, and more |
| TELL Lifeline (mental health) | 03-5774-0992 | English, 9AM-11PM |
| NTT Disaster Message (web) | web171.jp | EN, CN, KR, JP |
Save your embassy's emergency number
Your country's embassy or consulate in Japan can assist in emergencies — especially for passport issues, evacuation coordination, and contacting family back home. Save their number in your phone now.
Earthquakes (地震)
Japan experiences over 1,500 earthquakes per year. Most are minor, but strong quakes can happen without warning. Japan's Earthquake Early Warning (EEW) system sends alerts to all phones seconds before shaking arrives.
During an Earthquake
Drop, Cover, Hold On
Get under a sturdy table or desk. Protect your head and neck. Hold on until shaking stops.
Open a door for escape route
Doors can jam during earthquakes. Open a door to ensure you have an exit.
Turn off gas and heating
Modern gas systems shut off automatically, but turn off any open flames if safe to do so.
Do NOT run outside immediately
Falling glass, tiles, and debris are the biggest danger. Stay inside until shaking stops, then evacuate calmly if needed.
After shaking stops: check for damage, prepare for aftershocks
Put on shoes (broken glass). Check for gas leaks (smell). Move to your nearest evacuation area if your building is damaged.
Tsunami warning? Move to high ground immediately.
If you feel a strong earthquake near the coast, or receive a tsunami warning on your phone, move to high ground (at least 10 meters elevation) or upper floors of a reinforced concrete building. Do not return to low-lying areas until authorities give the all-clear. Tsunamis can arrive within minutes.
Typhoons (台風)
Typhoon season runs from June to October, with the peak in August-September. Unlike earthquakes, typhoons give advance warning — usually days ahead. Trains and flights are often suspended preventively.
Before a Typhoon
- Stock up on water (2L per person per day for 3 days), food, and batteries
- Charge all devices — power outages are common
- Secure loose items on your balcony (they become projectiles in strong wind)
- Know your nearest evacuation shelter (避難所 / hinanjo) — check your city's hazard map
- Close and lock all windows and shutters (雨戸 / amado) if available
During a Typhoon
- Stay indoors. Do not go outside to "check on things"
- Stay away from windows — flying debris can shatter glass
- Fill your bathtub with water (backup for flushing toilets if water supply is cut)
- Monitor alerts on your phone and NHK (Japan's public broadcaster)
- If ordered to evacuate, go immediately. Don't wait.
Flooding & Landslides (洪水・土砂災害)
Heavy rain (大雨 / ōame) causes flooding and landslides, especially during the rainy season (梅雨 / tsuyu, June-July) and typhoons. Japan uses a 5-level alert system:
| Level | Meaning | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Early warning | Be aware of latest weather info |
| Level 2 | Flood/landslide watch | Confirm evacuation routes and shelters |
| Level 3 | Elderly evacuation | Elderly and mobility-impaired should evacuate. Others prepare to evacuate. |
| Level 4 | Evacuation order | Everyone must evacuate immediately. |
| Level 5 | Emergency situation | Disaster is occurring. Protect your life by any means. It may be too dangerous to travel to a shelter — move to highest floor or safest room. |
Essential Disaster Apps
Install these before you need them. They work even with limited Japanese ability.
Safety Tips (NHK World)
Official NHK disaster information app with multilingual support (EN, CN, KR, PT, VI, and more). Push notifications for earthquakes, tsunamis, typhoons, and volcanic warnings. Available on iOS and Android.
Recommended as your primary disaster app
Yahoo! Bosai (Yahoo! 防災速報)
Location-based disaster alerts. Extremely fast — often the first alert you receive. Interface is in Japanese but alerts include visual icons and maps. Set your home and work locations for relevant warnings.
Yurekuru Call (ゆれくるコール)
Earthquake-specific early warning app. Sends alerts seconds before shaking arrives at your location. Customizable sensitivity threshold. Partial English support.
Hazard Map (重ねるハザードマップ)
Government hazard map showing flood zones, landslide risk, and tsunami inundation areas. Check your address to understand your specific risks. Available at disaportal.gsi.go.jp.
Emergency Kit (非常持ち出し袋)
Keep an emergency bag near your front door. Many Japanese households have one — convenience stores and home centers (ホームセンター) sell pre-assembled kits, or assemble your own:
Essentials
- ☐ Water (500ml bottles × 3-6)
- ☐ Food (energy bars, crackers, canned food)
- ☐ Flashlight + spare batteries
- ☐ Portable phone charger (charged)
- ☐ First aid kit
- ☐ Cash (¥10,000-30,000 in small bills)
- ☐ Whistle (to signal for help)
Documents & Personal
- ☐ Copies of Residence Card & passport
- ☐ Copy of insurance card
- ☐ Emergency contact list (printed)
- ☐ Prescription medications (3-day supply)
- ☐ Warm layer / rain poncho
- ☐ Toiletries & hygiene items
- ☐ Plastic bags (multiple uses)
Emergency Japanese Phrases
These phrases could help in an emergency situation. Screenshot this section or save it to your phone.
| English | Japanese | Romaji |
|---|---|---|
| Help! | 助けて！ | Tasukete! |
| Please call an ambulance | 救急車を呼んでください | Kyuukyuusha wo yonde kudasai |
| It's a fire | 火事です | Kaji desu |
| It's an emergency | 救急です | Kyuukyuu desu |
| Where is the evacuation shelter? | 避難所はどこですか？ | Hinanjo wa doko desu ka? |
| I don't understand Japanese | 日本語がわかりません | Nihongo ga wakarimasen |
| I'm hurt / injured | 怪我をしました | Kega wo shimashita |
| Is it safe here? | ここは安全ですか？ | Koko wa anzen desu ka? |
| My address is... | 住所は...です | Juusho wa ... desu |
Finding Your Evacuation Shelter
Every neighborhood has designated evacuation areas. There are two types:
- Evacuation area (避難場所 / hinan basho) — Open spaces like parks and schoolyards for immediate safety from fire or building collapse
- Evacuation shelter (避難所 / hinanjo) — Buildings (often schools or community centers) for staying overnight if you can't return home
How to Find Yours
- Check your ward/city office website (search "[your city] 避難所")
- Look for green evacuation signs (避難場所) in your neighborhood — they're on utility poles and buildings
- Use the NHK Safety Tips app — shows nearby shelters on a map
- Ask at your ward office — they often provide multilingual disaster maps
Walk the route before you need it
Locate your nearest evacuation shelter and walk there once from your home. Know the route, how long it takes, and any potential obstacles (rivers, narrow streets). In a real disaster, you won't have time to figure this out.
Disaster Insurance
Standard fire insurance (火災保険) does not cover earthquake damage. Earthquake insurance (地震保険) is a separate policy. If you're renting:
- Renter's insurance (家財保険) — Covers your belongings against fire, water damage, theft. Usually ¥4,000-8,000/year. Often required by your lease.
- Earthquake add-on (地震保険) — Covers earthquake, volcanic eruption, and resulting tsunami damage. Additional ¥2,000-5,000/year for renters. Optional but recommended.
- Your landlord's insurance covers the building structure, not your personal belongings.
Useful Resources
- NHK World — English-language news and disaster updates
- Hazard Map Portal (重ねるハザードマップ) — Check flood, landslide, and tsunami risk for your address
- Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) — Official earthquake, tsunami, and weather warnings (English)
Disclaimer: This guide provides general disaster preparedness information. In an actual emergency, follow instructions from local authorities, police, fire department, and official disaster alerts. Conditions vary by location and event.
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