18 Japanese Emergency Phrases Every Traveler Should Know

💡 Shout it in a real emergency. There's no need to be polite here. For less urgent help, say "tasukete kudasai" or start with "sumimasen."

💡 The police number in Japan is 110. If you are calling yourself, say what happened and where, and ask for English if you need it.

💡 Ambulances and fire trucks share one number in Japan: 119. When you call, you will first be asked whether it is a fire (kaji) or a medical emergency (kyukyu).

💡 Useful at a hospital, police station, or when a crowd gathers. Someone nearby may speak English and help translate.

💡 What people will ask you if you look unwell or fall. "Daijobu desu" means you're fine; if you're not, say "daijobu ja nai desu" or explain what is wrong.

💡 A general way to say you are unwell. "Kimochi ga warui" is used more for nausea. Hotel front desks can often help you find a clinic.

💡 Useful body words: atama (head), onaka (stomach), ha (tooth), nodo (throat), ashi (leg or foot). Or just point and say "koko ga itai desu" (it hurts here).

💡 Japan measures temperature in Celsius. Some clinics ask people with a fever to call ahead or wait in a separate area.

💡 Be careful: byoin (hospital) and biyoin (beauty salon) sound very similar. For minor problems, a small clinic, often called "kurinikku" or "iin," may be quicker than a big hospital.

💡 Drugstores ("doraggusutoa") sell everyday medicines, and some have a pharmacist to ask. Some medicines sold freely in other countries are restricted in Japan, so check before bringing your own.

💡 Swap in other items: sumaho (smartphone), kaban (bag), kasa (umbrella). Lost items are often turned in, so ask at the station office or the nearest koban.

💡 Report it to the police first, then contact your country's embassy or consulate. A copy or photo of your passport page makes the process easier.

💡 Small police posts found near stations and busy streets. Officers give directions, take lost-item reports, and help with problems, though sometimes they are out on patrol.

💡 Say it loudly if someone bothers or touches you. Drawing attention is the point; bystanders and station staff can then step in.

💡 A word to recognize. If someone shouts it, stop and look around. You'll also see 危険 (kiken, danger) on signs.

💡 Small quakes are common, and many phones in Japan sound an early warning alarm. Protect your head, stay away from windows, and don't run outside while things are shaking.

💡 Shelters are often local schools or community centers, marked with signs. In a big disaster, follow hotel staff and local announcements.

💡 Fires are reported on 119, the same number as ambulances. When the operator asks, say "kaji desu" and then the address or a nearby landmark.