Living in Japan Survival Guide

Stay Safe. Stay Prepared. Live Confidently in Japan.

Practical emergency guidance, preparedness tools, and safety information for foreign residents living in Japan.

A foreign family in Japan checking their emergency preparedness supplies together at home

Quick Emergency Information

Save these numbers in your phone today. Availability of some services varies by region.

110

Police

Crimes and accidents.

119

Fire & Ambulance

Fires and medical emergencies.

#7119

Medical Advice

Not sure if you need an ambulance?

171

Disaster Message Dial

Leave messages for family after a disaster.

⚠️ Service availability and language support may vary by region. Always verify with your local municipality and follow official instructions during an emergency. See all emergency numbers →

Prepare by Situation

Everyone's needs are different. Start with what matches your household.

Five Basic Preparedness Steps

If you do nothing else, do these five things.

Know your local risks

Check your municipality's hazard map for earthquakes, floods, and landslides.

Prepare water & food

Store at least 3 days (ideally 7) of water and food per person.

Pack an emergency bag

Keep a grab-bag by the door so you can evacuate immediately.

Decide how to contact family

Agree on a meeting point and practice the 171 message dial.

Check official information

Know where to get alerts from JMA and your local government.

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