Emergency Numbers in Japan: 110, 119, and 118

A simple guide for first-time travelers in Okinawa

Conclusion First

110 = Police / 119 = Ambulance & Fire / 118 = Japan Coast Guard. If you are not sure, call the number you know. The operator will guide you.

Why This Guide Matters

Japan uses different numbers for different emergencies. Many travelers do not know this. In Okinawa, marine activities are common, so 118 is also important.

Key Things to Know First

You will not get in trouble for calling the wrong number
Wait until the operator answers. Do not hang up early
Hotel and airport staff can call 110 or 119 for you
Simply say, “English, please!” (You may be connected to an interpreter)

118 Is Important in Okinawa

Many visitors enjoy the sea. So remembering 118 will help you stay safe.

Why 110, 119, and 118 Are Different

Emergency numbers differ by country
You may panic if you do not know which one to use
A quick decision can save a life
Marine accidents are common in Okinawa

110: Police

Conclusion: Call 110 for crime, trouble, or traffic accidents

When to Call 110

Traffic accidents
Theft or lost items
Suspicious people
Trouble at your hotel or rental car
Dangerous driving

What 110 Can Do

Send police officers
Handle accident reports
Take lost item reports
Provide multilingual support (area dependent)

What 110 Cannot Do

Send an ambulance
Handle fires
Give medical advice

119: Ambulance and Fire

Conclusion: Call 119 for injury, sickness, or fire

When to Call 119

Injury or sickness
Heatstroke
Sudden illness in your hotel
Fire or smoke
Jellyfish stings
Someone is drowning

What 119 Can Do

Send an ambulance
Send fire trucks
Provide interpreter support
Send you to an appropriate medical facility
Ambulance service is free in emergencies (Medical treatment costs are separate)

What 119 Cannot Do

Handle theft or lost items
Handle traffic accident reports

118: Japan Coast Guard

Conclusion: Call 118 for life-threatening emergencies at sea

When to Call 118

A child is swept away by waves
You cannot return while snorkeling
SUP or kayak drifting
Boat accidents
Serious emergencies in the water

The Japan Coast Guard will respond depending on the situation. English interpretation may be available when needed.

If You Forget 118

Call 119. They will connect you to the right agency. The most important thing is to call quickly.

Common Situations

Traffic accident with injury

119 for injury
110 for accident report

Lost wallet

110

Sudden illness in your hotel

119

Smoke or possible fire

119

Suspicious person

110

Rental car accident

119 if someone is hurt
110 for accident report
Rental car company for insurance support (See our guide on rental cars in Okinawa)

If You Are Not Good at Phone Calls

Conclusion: Remember only three words

First Words to Say

Simply say, “English, please!” You may be connected to an English-speaking operator or interpreter.

How to Explain Your Location

If you do not know the address, use:

Convenience store name (Lawson, FamilyMart, etc.)
Hotel name
Show your location on Google Maps (the pin is very helpful)
Vending machine address label
Utility pole number
Intersection name

One clue is enough. The operator will guide you.

What Operators Ask First

110: “Crime or accident?” 119: “Fire or ambulance?”

They may start in Japanese. Stay calm and say “English, please!” Or answer with simple words like “Accident!” or “Ambulance!”

Information You Should Tell

Your location
What happened
If anyone is injured
Your name and phone number
That you are a traveler

How Emergency Calls Work in Japan

Calls are free
You can call even with a locked phone
If you call the wrong number, they will still help
Do not hang up early
Hotel staff can speak for you

FAQ

Q. Will an ambulance always come if I call 119? A. The operator will check your situation and decide the best response.

Q. What if I call the wrong number? A. Explain your situation. They will guide you.

Q. I cannot speak Japanese. A. Simply say, “English, please.”

Q. Someone is drowning. What should I do? A. Call 118.

Q. The call ended by mistake. What should I do? A. Call again. It is faster than waiting for a callback.

Q. Can I call 110 or 119 without a SIM card? A. It may work depending on your device, but do not waste time if it fails. Ask a nearby local or walk into a shop and say: “HELP, call 119!” (or 110).

Q. My child pressed 110 or 119 by mistake. A. Do not hang up. Say “It was a mistake.”

Prepare Before Your Trip

Save 110 / 119 / 118 in your phone contacts. It only takes one minute and can save valuable time in an emergency.
Learn how to show your location on Google Maps. This is very helpful in real emergencies.

Other Useful Contacts

Japan Visitor Hotline (24 hours, multilingual)
Okinawa Multilingual Contact Center
Your hotel front desk
Your rental car company

Quiet Okinawa Recommendation

You do not need perfect English or Japanese. The most important action is to make the call. Operators and staff will guide you. Save 110, 119, and 118 in your phone. It will help you stay calm in an emergency.