Lost in Translation? Your Guide to Japan Winter Emergency Calls (119/110) & Medical Help

Facing a medical or safety emergency in a foreign country is daunting. In Japan, especially during winter, this anxiety can intensify due to potential language barriers and unfamiliar systems. The fear of not knowing who to call (is it 119 or 110?), how to explain your situation, or where to find appropriate medical help is a significant concern for many international visitors and residents.

This guide is designed to remove that friction. We’ll provide you with clear, practical steps to navigate emergency situations in Japan, ensuring you know exactly how to call for help, communicate effectively, and access necessary medical care, even if your Japanese is limited. Understanding these procedures before an incident occurs can make a critical difference.

Understanding Japan’s Emergency Numbers: 119 vs. 110

The first critical step in any Japan emergency is knowing which number to dial. Japan has two primary emergency hotlines, each serving a distinct purpose.

Calling 119: Medical Emergencies & Fire

For medical emergencies (like sudden illness, injury, or an accident needing an ambulance) or fire, you must call 119 (いちいちきゅう – ichi ichi kyuu). This number connects you directly to the Fire Department. The Fire Department is responsible for dispatching both fire trucks and ambulances.

🎯 Local Pro-Tip: Don’t hesitate to call 119 if you believe you need an ambulance. It’s better to call and be assessed than to delay critical medical attention. Ambulance services are generally free for transport to a hospital in Japan.

Calling 110: Police Emergencies

For police emergencies, such as theft, assault, traffic accidents, or any situation requiring law enforcement intervention, dial 110 (ひゃくとうばん – hyaku tou ban). This number connects you to the Police.

Remember that both 119 and 110 calls are free from any phone, including public phones and mobile phones, even if you don’t have a local SIM card (though cellular coverage is still needed).

Bridging the Language Gap: Communicating with Emergency Services

This is where much of the anxiety lies for non-Japanese speakers. While Japanese operators are standard, the system is increasingly equipped to handle international visitors.

Initial Communication with 119/110

1. State Your Need Immediately: When the operator answers, clearly state what you need.
   • For an ambulance: Say “Kyuukyuu desu!” (救急です！ – It’s an ambulance!) or “Kyuukyuusha onegaishimasu!” (救急車お願いします！ – Ambulance, please!).
   • For fire: Say “Kaji desu!” (火事です！ – It’s a fire!).
   • For police: Say “Keisatsu desu!” (警察です！ – It’s the police!) or “Keisatsukan onegaishimasu!” (警察官お願いします！ – Police officer, please!).
2. Request English (or other language): Immediately follow up with “Eigo onegaishimasu!” (英語お願いします！ – English, please!) or “Tsuuyaku ga hitsuyou desu!” (通訳が必要です！ – I need an interpreter!). Many major cities and tourist areas have multi-lingual call centers or access to interpreter services for 119. While 110 may have fewer direct interpreters, they can often connect to translation services or dispatch officers with some English ability.
3. Stay Calm and Speak Slowly: Even if you’re panicking, try to speak slowly and clearly. This aids understanding, especially if an interpreter is involved.
4. Provide Your Location: This is paramount. Give a precise address if you know it, or describe landmarks nearby.
   • “Watashi no basho wa [address/landmark] desu.” (私の場所は[住所/目印]です。 – My location is [address/landmark].)
   • Mention the city, ward, and street name if possible.
   • Look for street signs, shop names, or prominent buildings.
   • If you’re in a car, give the highway name/number and direction.
5. Explain the Situation: Briefly describe what happened and the current condition of the person(s) involved.
   • For medical: “Koronde ugokemasen.” (転んで動けません。 – I have fallen and can’t move.) or “Koko ga itai desu.” (ここが痛いです。 – I have pain here [point to area]).
   • For police: “Nusumare mashita.” (盗まれました。 – I’ve been robbed.) or “Koutsuu jiko desu.” (交通事故です。 – It’s a traffic accident.).
6. Stay on the Line: Do not hang up until the operator tells you to. They may need more information or to confirm details.

Winter-Specific Risks & Staying Safe in Japan

Winter in Japan offers unique beauty, but also presents specific hazards, especially if you’re not accustomed to cold climates or heavy snowfall. Being prepared can prevent many emergencies.

Common Winter Hazards:

• Icy Sidewalks & Roads: Especially in Hokkaido, Tohoku, or mountain areas, sidewalks and roads can become treacherous. After snowmelt, refreezing overnight is common, leading to black ice. Fractures from falls are a leading cause of winter injuries.
• Hypothermia: If you’re hiking, skiing, or spending extended time outdoors in very cold or snowy regions without proper thermal clothing, hypothermia is a serious risk.
• Snow Blindness: Prolonged exposure to bright sunlight reflecting off snow without proper UV-protective eyewear can lead to photokeratitis (snow blindness), causing pain and temporary vision impairment.
• Cold & Flu Complications: Winter is flu season. Complications from common colds or influenza can be more severe for those with underlying health conditions or the elderly.

Prevention is Key:

• Footwear: Invest in waterproof boots with good traction. Look for non-slip soles.
• Layer Up: Wear multiple layers of clothing, including thermal underwear, waterproof outer layers, hats, gloves, and scarves.
• Eye Protection: If spending time in snowy, sunny environments, wear sunglasses or goggles with UV protection.
• Stay Hydrated & Warm: Drink plenty of fluids (warm beverages are ideal) and take breaks indoors to warm up.
• Non-Emergency Medical Advice: For non-urgent cold/flu symptoms, consider using a medical information service like AMDA or calling a local clinic before an emergency develops. Tokyo offers a 24-hour EMS Consultation Service (#7119) for non-urgent medical advice.

Navigating Medical Help: From Ambulance to Hospital

Once an ambulance is dispatched, knowing what to expect and what to do upon arrival at the hospital reduces stress and facilitates quicker care.

When the Ambulance Arrives:

Ambulances (救急車 – Kyuukyuusha) are white with red crosses and blue flashing lights. Police cars (パトカー – Patokaa) are usually white and black (like a panda) with red flashing lights, and fire trucks (消防車 – Shoubou-sha) are typically red.

When the ambulance crew arrives:

1. Have Documents Ready: Prepare your passport, travel insurance information (policy number, contact details), and any known medical conditions or regular medications. Keep these readily accessible.
2. Be Clear with Symptoms: Even if an interpreter is not physically present, the crew will have basic phrases or access to phone translation. Clearly point to areas of pain (“Koko ga itai desu!”) and describe what you’re feeling.
3. Cooperate: Follow their instructions. Japanese emergency medical technicians are highly professional and efficient.

At the Hospital:

Hospital signs often include a stylized cross (medical cross) or the kanji ‘病院’ (Byouin). Larger hospitals may have English signage.

1. Inform Staff Immediately: As soon as you arrive, state “Nihongo ga hanasemasen. Eigo onegaishimasu.” (日本語が話せません。英語お願いします。 – I don’t speak Japanese. English, please.) or “Tsuuyaku ga hitsuyou desu.” (通訳が必要です。 – I need an interpreter.).
2. Present Insurance: Show your travel insurance details. Confirm with staff how your insurance will be handled.
3. Patient History: Be prepared to provide a detailed medical history, including allergies, pre-existing conditions, and current medications. Write this down in English beforehand if possible.
4. Payment: Understand that medical treatment is not free. You will be expected to pay for services. (See “The Cost of Care” section below).

The Cost of Care: Why Travel Insurance is Essential

While ambulance transport to a hospital in Japan is free, the medical treatment you receive at the hospital is NOT. Medical costs in Japan can be substantial, especially for serious injuries or extended stays. This is where comprehensive travel insurance becomes indispensable.

Ensure your travel insurance covers medical emergencies, including ambulance transport, hospital stays, doctor fees, medication, and, ideally, emergency evacuation. Confirm your coverage limits and claim procedures before you travel.

Pro-Tips for Any Emergency in Japan

• Pre-program Emergency Numbers: Save 119 and 110 into your phone contacts.
• Know Your Location: Always be aware of your current address, the name of your hotel, or major nearby landmarks. Write it down or pin it on a map app.
• Carry Identification & Insurance: Keep your passport and travel insurance policy details (or at least a photo of them on your phone) with you at all times.
• Stay Charged: Keep your phone charged, especially when exploring. A power bank is a wise investment.
• Non-Emergency Medical Information: For less urgent issues, utilize resources like the JNTO Japan Visitor Hotline or the AMDA International Medical Information Center for finding English-speaking hospitals or getting general medical advice.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During an Emergency

• Calling the Wrong Number: Accidentally calling 110 for a medical emergency or vice versa can delay response. Double-check before you dial.
• Panicking and Hanging Up: Remain on the line until the operator instructs you to hang up. They may need more details or to provide instructions.
• Underestimating Winter Risks: Even if you’re used to cold weather, Japan’s specific conditions (e.g., wet snow, sudden ice) can be different. Don’t skip proper winter gear.
• Assuming Medical Care is Free: This is a critical misconception. While ambulance rides are free, hospital treatment is not.
• Not Having Insurance: Facing a serious medical bill without insurance can lead to significant financial strain.
• Not Knowing Basic Japanese Phrases: Even “Eigo onegaishimasu” (English, please) makes a difference. Don’t rely solely on gestures.

Quick Reference Card: Your Essential Emergency Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Navigating an emergency in Japan, especially during winter and with a language barrier, requires preparation. By understanding the distinct roles of 119 and 110, knowing crucial Japanese phrases, and securing comprehensive travel insurance, you equip yourself to handle unforeseen circumstances effectively. Japan’s emergency services are efficient and dedicated; your preparedness will only enhance their ability to assist you.

Stay safe, be informed, and enjoy your time in Japan with the confidence that you know how to get help when it matters most.

Disclaimer: This information is provided for general guidance and informational purposes only, and does not constitute professional medical, legal, or financial advice. While we strive for accuracy, emergency procedures, contact details, and medical costs are subject to change. Always verify critical information with official sources or your specific travel insurance provider. In an actual emergency, prioritize calling the relevant emergency services.