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17 June 2026
Japan is one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world and regularly experiences typhoons, heavy rain, and volcanic activity. Because of this, disaster preparedness is an essential part of daily life. Knowing what to do before, during, and after an emergency can save your life. This guide will walk you through the essential emergency services, how to prepare a disaster kit, and the safety measures you should take as an expat or international student.
Keep these numbers saved on your phone and memorized for quick access:
| Service | Number | Purpose | Language Support |
|---|---|---|---|
| Police | 110 | Reporting crimes, accidents, or theft | Yes (in major cities) |
| Fire & Ambulance | 119 | Fires, medical emergencies, and rescue | Yes (multi-language translation available) |
| Coast Guard | 118 | Accidents or emergencies at sea | Japanese |
| Disaster Voice Message | 171 | Leaving safety confirmations for relatives | English instruction guides online |
Earthquakes can strike without warning. Japan has an advanced Earthquake Early Warning (EEW) system that sends loud alerts to all mobile phones seconds before major shaking begins. If you feel a shake or receive an alert:
Unlike earthquakes, typhoons and heavy rain storms are predictable. Typhoon season typically runs from June to October. When a typhoon is approaching:
Pro Tip: Keep a dedicated emergency "Go-Bag" (Hijo Mochidashi Bukuro) packed near your front door. It should include bottled water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, a portable power bank, basic first-aid supplies, emergency cash, and copies of your Residence Card and passport.
If your home becomes unsafe due to fire, structural damage, or flooding risks, you must evacuate to a designated local shelter, usually located in public schools, community centers, or parks. Evacuation is free and open to everyone, regardless of nationality or visa status.
For live meteorological updates, earthquake details, and weather warnings in multiple languages, visit the official website of the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA).
Do not wait for a disaster to occur to find out where your local evacuation center is. You can locate your designated shelter, local hospitals, and ward offices instantly using the interactive yuzu.help Neighborhood Map. Make sure to walk the route once so you know how to get there in the dark or under stress.
Q: What should I say when I call 119 for an ambulance in Japan?
State clearly whether it is a fire ("Kaji desu") or a medical emergency ("Kyukyusha desu"), and then give your location. You can speak in English, and they will connect a translator.
Q: Are evacuation shelters in Japan free?
Yes. Disaster evacuation shelters are municipal facilities. They are completely free and provide shelter, blankets, and basic food supplies to everyone.
Q: How does the 171 Disaster Voice Message Service work?
In a major disaster, dial 171 and follow the voice prompts to record a message using your phone number. Relatives can dial 171 and your number to listen to your status.
Q: Do I need to buy special disaster insurance in Japan?
Standard fire insurance does not cover earthquake damage. If you rent an apartment, it is highly recommended to add Earthquake Insurance (Jishin Hoken) to your policy.
Q: What is the difference between "Evacuation Preparation" and "Evacuation Order"?
An Evacuation Preparation (Level 3) means elderly and disabled residents should evacuate. An Evacuation Order (Level 4) means everyone in the area must evacuate immediately.
Q: Will my phone receive disaster warnings automatically?
Yes, most modern smartphones sold in Japan or updated with local SIM cards will automatically receive emergency broadcast alerts with a distinct loud sound.
Q: Can I drink tap water after a major earthquake in Japan?
It is not recommended immediately after a strong shake, as water pipes may be damaged, leading to contamination. Use your stored bottled water instead.
Q: Where can I find official, English-language disaster apps?
You can download the "Safety Tips" app, which is supervised by the Japan Tourism Agency and provides real-time disaster alerts in multiple languages.