Calling 119 in Japan: Ambulance and Fire Emergency Guide
What to say when calling 119 in Japan and what foreign residents should prepare.
- When to Call 119
- What to Say
- Prepare Your Address
- Ambulance Cost
- Language Difficulty
When to Call 119
Call 119 for fire, ambulance, or rescue. If someone is seriously sick, injured, cannot breathe, has chest pain, or is unconscious, call immediately.
What to Say
Say ambulance or fire, your address, what happened, number of people, age if known, and whether the person can speak or breathe.
Prepare Your Address
It is useful to save your home address in Japanese and English on your phone. In an emergency, address is very important.
Ambulance Cost
The ambulance itself is generally free, but hospital treatment costs money. Health insurance may help reduce treatment costs.
Language Difficulty
Speak slowly and use simple words. If someone nearby speaks Japanese, ask them to help with the call.
This article is based on official public information and is written in simple English. Procedures may differ by person and city. Please check the official page or a consultation office for your own case.
Source: https://www.fdma.go.jp/mission/enrichment/appropriate/appropriate003.html
