Phrasebook / Emergency
Japanese Phrases for Emergencies
If someone's life is in danger, call first and worry about the language afterwards. Save these numbers and this page before you travel. If you add the app to your home screen and open it once, the phrases are also available without a signal.
Police 110 · Ambulance or fire 119
Japan Visitor Hotline (24 hours, English) 050-3816-2787
7 useful phrases
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Help!
助けて！
たすけて！ · tasukete!
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Please call an ambulance
救急車を呼んでください
きゅうきゅうしゃをよんでください · kyūkyūsha o yonde kudasai
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I feel unwell
気分が悪いです
きぶんがわるいです · kibun ga warui desu
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Is there a pharmacy nearby?
近くに薬局はありますか？
ちかくにやっきょくはありますか？ · chikaku ni yakkyoku wa arimasu ka?
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I lost my wallet
財布をなくしました
さいふをなくしました · saifu o nakushimashita
Lost property is often handed in — ask at the station or kōban.
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I lost my passport
パスポートをなくしました
パスポートをなくしました · pasupōto o nakushimashita
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Where is the police box?
交番はどこですか？
こうばんはどこですか？ · kōban wa doko desu ka?
Good to know
Calling 119 or 110
On 119, the operator will first ask whether you need a fire engine or an ambulance. Say 救急です (kyūkyū desu) for an ambulance or 火事です (kaji desu) for a fire. Then give your location: a nearby station, a big building or your hotel name all help. If you can, ask someone nearby to help you make the call.
Feeling unwell
For minor problems, a pharmacy (薬局, yakkyoku) or drugstore can help, though some familiar medicines are sold under different names or strengths. Keep your travel insurance details somewhere easy to reach, because you may have to pay upfront for treatment and claim the cost later.
Lost wallet or passport
Lost property is often handed in, so ask at the station office or the nearest 交番 (kōban) soon after you notice. If you lost it on a train, have the line and time of travel ready. For a lost passport, report it to the police first, then contact your embassy or consulate for a replacement.
Earthquakes and severe weather
Follow instructions from staff and public announcements. Safety Tips, an app supported by the Japan Tourism Agency, sends earthquake, tsunami and weather alerts in English and other languages, and it is worth installing before you travel.