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Emergency & Disaster Preparedness in Japan

Japan is one of the world's most earthquake-prone countries. As a foreigner living in Japan, knowing how to respond in an emergency can save your life.

Emergency Phone Numbers

Number	Service	Available
110	Police (事件・事故)	24/7
119	Fire & Ambulance (火事・救急)	24/7
118	Coast Guard (海上保安庁)	24/7
#7119	Medical consultation (救急安心センター)	Varies by region

When calling 110 or 119, you can request an interpreter. Say: "I need an interpreter" or "Eigo ga hanasemasu ka?" (Do you speak English?)

Earthquake Safety

During an Earthquake (地震)

1. Drop, Cover, Hold On — get under a sturdy table or desk
2. Stay away from windows, heavy furniture, and bookshelves
3. If outside: move away from buildings, power lines, and vending machines
4. If driving: pull over safely, turn off the engine, stay in the car during shaking

After an Earthquake

• Check for gas leaks — if you smell gas, open windows and leave immediately
• Turn off the main gas valve (ガスの元栓) at the meter
• Do not use elevators immediately after a tremor
• Keep shoes on to protect against broken glass

Evacuation Shelters (避難所)

Every neighborhood has designated evacuation shelters (指定避難所), usually at local schools or community centers.

• How to find your shelter: Check your local city/ward website or ask at city hall
• What to bring: Water, snacks, medications, phone charger, cash, important documents
• Register your address: When you register your address (転入届), you'll receive a disaster hazard map (ハザードマップ) showing your nearest shelter

Essential Apps & Resources

Safety Tips App (セーフティーチップス)

The official Japan Tourism Agency app provides real-time disaster alerts in 14 languages including English, Chinese, Korean, Thai, and Vietnamese.
- Download: Available on iOS and Android
- Features: Earthquake alerts, tsunami warnings, typhoon information, evacuation guidance

Yahoo! 防災速報

• Real-time earthquake and weather alerts (Japanese)
• Push notifications for your current location

00000JAPAN (Five Zero Japan) WiFi

During major disasters, telecommunications companies open free public WiFi under the SSID "00000JAPAN". Connect without a password to communicate when networks are congested.

Disaster Messaging Service (災害用伝言ダイヤル)

If phone lines are congested after a disaster:
- 171: Voice message service — record/play messages for your phone number
- Web171: Online message board at web171.jp
- Available when activated by disaster declaration

Be Prepared: Emergency Kit (非常持出袋)

Prepare a bag with:
- Water (1.5 liters per person per day, 3-day supply)
- Emergency food (non-perishable, 3-day supply)
- First aid kit
- Flashlight and spare batteries
- Phone charger/portable battery
- Cash in small denominations (ATMs may be offline)
- Copy of important documents (residence card, passport, insurance card)
- Any required medications

Important: Register your residence at city hall so that disaster information and evacuation orders can reach you through the local alert system.

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How to Call 119 (Ambulance / Fire)

When calling 119, the dispatcher will ask:
1. Is this a fire or ambulance? (火事ですか？救急ですか？)
2. Where is the location? (場所はどこですか？)
3. What is the situation? (どういう状況ですか？)

Script: Calling for an Ambulance (救急車)

"救急車をお願いします。" — "I need an ambulance."
"住所は [your address] です。" — "The address is [your address]."
"倒れて意識がありません。" — "Someone has collapsed and is unconscious."
"英語の通訳をお願いします。" — "Please arrange an English interpreter."

Script: Reporting a Fire (火事)

"火事です。" — "There is a fire."
"[your address] が燃えています。" — "[Address] is on fire."
"怪我人はいます。" / "怪我人はいません。" — "There are / There are no injuries."

Note: Fire dispatchers in major cities can arrange phone interpretation. Stay on the line and speak slowly.

How to Call 110 (Police)

When calling 110:
1. Report the type of incident (theft, accident, suspicious person, etc.)
2. Give your location precisely — include address, nearby landmarks, or station name
3. Describe the situation calmly

Scripts for Common Situations

Theft / Robbery (窃盗・強盗):

"盗難（とうなん）被害に遭いました。" — "I have been robbed / my belongings were stolen."
"怪我人はいません。" — "There are no injuries."
"犯人は逃げました。" — "The perpetrator has fled."

Traffic Accident (交通事故):

"交通事故が発生しました。" — "A traffic accident has occurred."
"怪我人がいます。救急車もお願いします。" — "There are injuries. Please send an ambulance too."
"場所は [location] です。" — "The location is [location]."

Suspicious Person (不審者):

"不審者（ふしんしゃ）がいます。" — "There is a suspicious person."
"今すぐ来てください。" — "Please come immediately."

For English support: Say "英語を話せる人はいますか？" (Is there someone who speaks English?) — Major police dispatch centers can arrange phone interpretation.

110 Smartphone App (警察安全相談アプリ)

The National Police Agency operates a 110 report app for non-emergency police contact, useful for reporting crimes via text when calling is difficult. Available from the NPA website.

Crime Prevention (防犯対策)

Japan is one of the world's safest countries, but crime does occur. Basic prevention measures:

Protecting Your Belongings

• Lock your bicycle (U-lock + chain lock recommended; bicycle theft is the most common crime)
• Lock your apartment door always — even when home during the day
• Do not leave valuable items visible inside parked cars
• Be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas (particularly in tourist-heavy areas)

Online and Phone Scams (特殊詐欺)

Japan has a persistent problem with phone and online scams targeting residents:
- Ore ore sagi (おれおれ詐欺): Callers pretend to be family members (son, grandson) needing emergency cash
- Kansen tokutoku sagi: Scammers impersonate banks, tax offices, or health insurance offices requesting personal information
- Rule: Official institutions in Japan will never call you unexpectedly and ask for cash, account numbers, or personal information by phone. Hang up and call the organization back using their official number.

Community Safety Networks

• Register with your local neighborhood association (自治会) — they coordinate safety patrols
• Check your city's crime map (防犯マップ) on your city hall website
• Download your local police station's app or LINE account for local safety alerts

Crime Victim Support (犯罪被害者等支援)

If you are the victim of a crime in Japan, you are entitled to support:

Filing a Police Report (被害届 / 告訴状)

• You can file a police report (被害届) at any police station
• Bring your residence card, passport, and any evidence (photos, receipts, witness information)
• Request a report receipt (受理番号) — needed for insurance claims
• Ask for an interpreter (通訳) if needed — major police stations have interpretation support or use phone services

Crime Victim Compensation (犯罪被害者給付金)

• Victims of serious crimes (assault, homicide, sexual violence) may be eligible for government compensation
• Apply at the Prefectural Public Safety Commission (都道府県公安委員会)
• Must apply within 2 years of the crime

Support Center for Crime Victims (犯罪被害者等支援センター)

• Available in each prefecture
• Services: counseling, legal advice, support attending court, financial guidance
• National hotline: 0570-783-554 (Saponet)

Sexual Violence Victims Support (性暴力被害者支援)

• One-stop support centers (性犯罪・性暴力被害者のためのワンストップ支援センター) are available in each prefecture
• National search: 0120-8794-00 (tells you the nearest center)
• Available in multiple languages in some regions

Reminder: You always have the right to request an interpreter when interacting with police in Japan. Police are required to make reasonable efforts to communicate with foreign nationals. If you feel your rights are not being respected, contact the Foreign Residents Advisory Center at 0570-013904.