Hey everyone!

This is your friend from NyuuLy — your go-to guide for a stress-free move to Japan.

One of the most important (and often overlooked) steps when settling into your new life in Japan is getting familiar with what to do in case of an emergency (such as earthquakes, fires, tsunamis, gas leaks,...)

Japan is a very safe country. Not because it’s disaster-free — actually, quite the opposite.

Because Japan experiences many natural disasters, it has built clear, organized, and surprisingly efficient emergency systems for almost every situation.

Once you understand how they work, you’ll realize they actually give you real peace of mind.

— even when your phone suddenly starts screaming in Japanese at 3 a.m.

So let’s get familiar with how emergencies work in Japan, what to do when something happens, and how you can stay safe and confident in your new home 🇯🇵

1. Understanding The System

Let’s start with the basics.

Japan’s emergency system can feel confusing at first — lots of alarms, announcements in Japanese, and rules that seem very specific. But once you understand the logic, it’s actually one of the most organized systems in the world.

Think of this section as your emergency system decoder.

1.1 Emergency Numbers (Save These Now)

Japan keeps it simple — only two numbers matter:

🚑 119 — Fire & Ambulance

Call 119 if:

There is a fire
Someone or yourself is injured or unconscious

🚓 110 — Police

Call 110 if:

There is a crime
Someone is following you or your home was broken into

NyuuLy’s Pro Tip:

You can call 110 or 119 from any phone (mobile or landline), even without a SIM or credit.

Many operators can connect you to English support, but it may take time. Speak slowly and clearly.

Useful Japanese Phrases:

Fire: 「火事です」(Kaji desu)
Emergency: 「緊急です」(Kinkyū desu)
Help: 「助けてください」(Tasukete kudasai)
When Calling 119 or 110
「緊急です」(Kinkyū desu) — It’s an emergency「助けてください」(Tasukete kudasai) — Please help「英語を話せますか？」(Eigo o hanasemasu ka?) — Do you speak English?

Medical Emergencies
「怪我をしました」(Kega o shimashita) — I’m injured「気分が悪いです」(Kibun ga warui desu) — I feel sick「救急車を呼んでください」(Kyūkyūsha o yonde kudasai) — Please call an ambulance

Evacuation & Safety
「避難所はどこですか？」(Hinanjō wa doko desu ka?) — Where is the evacuation shelter?「ここは安全ですか？」(Koko wa anzen desu ka?) — Is this place safe?「助けが必要です」(Tasuke ga hitsuyō desu) — I need help

Police Situations
「誰かに追われています」(Dareka ni owareteimasu) — Someone is following me「泥棒に入られました」(Dorobō ni hairaremashita) — My house was broken into「パスポートをなくしました」(Pasupōto o nakushimashita) — I lost my passport

1.2 City-Wide Loudspeakers

At some point, you will hear a loud voice coming from nowhere. No speakers in sight. No explanation. Just Japanese echoing through the neighborhood.

Don’t panic — this is 防災無線 (bōsai musen), Japan’s public disaster speaker system.

What are they used for?

Earthquake and tsunami warnings
Evacuation instructions
Extreme weather alerts
Daily test broadcasts (yes, really)

How to know if it’s serious

Calm, short message: probably a test or announcement
Urgent tone + repeated message: pay attention
Keywords like 避難 (ひなん、hinan - Evacuate) or 緊急 (きんきゅう、kinkyu - Emergency): time to act

NyuuLy’s Pro Tip: Check your phone right after hearing the speaker — alerts usually arrive there too.

1.3 Emergency Alerts on Your Phone (The Screaming Alarm)

If you’ve never experienced it before, Japan’s emergency alerts can be… intense.

Your phone may:

Make a loud siren sound
Vibrate nonstop
Display Japanese text even if your phone is in English

This is normal.

Common alert types

緊急地震速報 （きんきゅうじしんそくほう / kinkyū jishin sokuhō）— Earthquake Early Warning
津波警報 / 注意報 （つなみけいほう / tsunami keihō）— Tsunami warning/advisory
J-Alert — Nationwide emergencies (missiles, major disasters)

Do not turn these alerts off. They give you precious seconds to react.

Most phones allow partial English support. Check:

iPhone: Emergency Alerts in Settings
Android: Safety & Emergency settings

1.4 Must-Have Apps & Online Resources

These tools make a huge difference during emergencies:

Recommended Apps/Website

Safety Tips (Japan Tourism Agency) — multilingual alerts & guidance (https://www.jnto.go.jp/safety-tips/eng/emergency/index.html)
NHK News Web Easy — disaster news in simple Japanese (https://news.web.nhk/news/easy/)
Google Maps — shelter locations & hazard layers

Other Resources

Local city websites (often have English disaster pages)

Embassy or consulate registration systems

👉 Do this now, not during a disaster.

1.5 Evacuation Shelters (避難所、ひなんじょ / hinanjo)

Evacuation shelters in Japan are usually:

Schools
Gymnasiums
Community centers

You may need to evacuate during:

Strong earthquakes
Tsunamis
Fires
Floods or landslides

How to find them

Posted maps in apartment buildings
Signs in your neighborhood
Google Maps (“evacuation shelter”)
City websites

What to expect inside

Large open rooms
Floor mats or blankets
Basic food and water
Many other people (privacy is limited)

Shelters are safe, organized, and run by local staff and volunteers.

2. Safety Checklist

This is your quick-start safety checklist — the things you should learn, prepare, and save within your first weeks in Japan.

No panic, no overthinking.

Just simple steps that will make you feel much more confident if something unexpected happens.

✅ Save These Emergency Numbers

Put these in your phone right now: You don’t need a SIM card or balance to call them.

119 → Fire & Ambulance

110 → Police

✅ Find Your Nearest Evacuation Shelter

Check the map in your apartment building
Search online: “Evacuation shelter + your city name”
Save the location in Google Maps

📍 NyuuLy’s Pro tip: Also learn how to get there on foot, not just by train.

✅ Learn Your Building’s Escape Routes

Emergency exits
Stairwells (never elevators)
Fire extinguishers
Gas shutoff location

These are usually posted near elevators or inside your apartment door.

✅ Turn On Emergency Alerts (Don’t Silence Them!)

Your phone’s loud alerts are annoying — but they save lives.

Check that:

Emergency alerts are ON
Vibration is ON
Sound is ON, even at night

Yes, even at 3 a.m.

✅ Prepare Your Emergency Go Bag (防災バッグ、ぼうさいバッグ / bōsai baggu)

You don’t need to go full survival mode. Just prepare a small bag you can grab in seconds.

🎒 Basic Essentials: You can buy a set of Emergency Go Bag (防災バッグ) online (Amazon, Rakuten) or offline at Donki or Aeon.

A basic emergency kit includes:

Water (at least 1 day)
Snacks or emergency food
Flashlight
Safety hat
Portable phone charger
Mask & tissues
Wet wipes

🌍 Extra Items for Foreigners

These are often overlooked — but important:

Passport copy
Residence card copy
Cash (¥10,000–¥20,000 in small bills)
Prescription medication (3–7 days)
Emergency contact list (written, not just on your phone)

3. Earthquakes　地震（じしん / jishin）

If you live in Japan long enough, you will experience an earthquake. Most are small. Some are strong. Almost all are scary the first time.

The good news?

Japan is extremely well-prepared for earthquakes — and once you know what to do, you’ll feel much more in control.

3.1 Before an Earthquake (Yes, This Matters)

You can’t predict earthquakes, but you can reduce risk.

Do this now:

Secure tall furniture (bookshelves, cabinets)
Keep heavy objects off high shelves
Know where your flashlight and shoes are
Keep your emergency bag near the door

💡 Tip: Many injuries happen after the shaking, from broken glass and falling objects.

3.2 Earthquake Alerts: When Your Phone Screams

If your phone makes a loud alarm and shows「緊急地震速報」（きんきゅうじしんそくほう / kinkyū jishin sokuhō）

This means an earthquake is coming within seconds.

3.3 During the Earthquake: What To Do

🧎 Drop, Cover, Hold

Drop to the ground
Cover your head and neck
Hold onto something sturdy

🏠 If You Are Indoors

Stay inside
Get under a table or desk
Move away from windows
Do not run outside

🏢 If You Are in an Apartment or Office Building

Do not use elevators
If in an elevator:
Press all floor buttonsGet out as soon as it stops

🚇 If You Are Outside

Move away from buildings
Watch for falling signs, glass, power lines

🚗 If You Are Driving

Slow down gradually

Pull over safely

Stay inside the car

3.4 After the Shaking Stops

This is where smart decisions matter most.

Check Yourself and Others

Are you injured?
Is anyone nearby hurt?

Watch for Aftershocks

They are normal
Sometimes strong

Check for Hazards

Smell gas?
Fire or smoke?
Water leaks?

🚨 If you smell gas:

Open windows
Do not use electronics
Turn off gas if safe
Leave and call for help

3.5 Should You Evacuate?

You do not need to evacuate after every earthquake.

Evacuate if:

Your building is damaged
There is a fire
Authorities instruct you to
You are in a tsunami-risk area after a strong quake

If you evacuate:

Take your emergency bag
Walk, don’t drive
Go to the nearest evacuation shelter

3.6 Earthquakes Near the Coast: Tsunami Risk

If you are near the ocean and feel:

A strong or long earthquake

Assume there is tsunami risk.

Do not wait for an announcement.

Move to higher ground immediately
Follow evacuation signs
Stay away until officially cleared

3.7 Helpful Japanese Words You May Hear

緊急地震速報（きんきゅうじしんそくほう / kinkyū jishin sokuhō） — Earthquake Early Warning
余震（よしん / yoshin）— Aftershock
避難してください（ひなんしてください / hinan shite kudasai）— Please evacuate
危険（きけん / kiken） — Danger
安全（あんぜん / anzen） — Safe

You don’t need to understand everything — just recognize key words.

3.8 Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Running outside during shaking
❌ Using elevators
❌ Standing near windows
❌ Ignoring official evacuation instructions
❌ Returning too early after evacuating

4. Tsunami　津波（つなみ / tsunami）

Tsunamis are rare — but when they happen, speed matters more than anything else.

You do not need to see a wave to be in danger.

If you are near the coast and feel a strong or long earthquake, assume tsunami risk and act immediately.

4.1 When to Worry About a Tsunami

Pay attention if:

You are near the ocean or river mouth
The earthquake was strong enough that you couldn’t stand
Your phone shows a tsunami alert
You hear evacuation instructions over loudspeakers

Do not wait for confirmation. When in doubt, move.

4.2 What To Do Immediately

⛰ Move to Higher Ground

Walk quickly (don’t run unless necessary)
Follow blue-and-white tsunami evacuation signs
Go uphill or to a designated tsunami evacuation building

🚫 What NOT To Do

Do not go to the beach to look
Do not return to your house
Do not use a car unless absolutely necessary

Stay in a safe location until authorities say it’s okay to leave.

津波警報（つなみけいほう / tsunami keihō） — Tsunami warning
津波注意報（つなみちゅういほう / tsunami chūihō）— Tsunami advisory
高い場所へ避難（たかいばしょへひなん / takai basho e hinan）— Evacuate to higher ground

Even if you don’t understand everything, these words mean go now.

5. Fire　火事（かじ / kaji）

Most people imagine fires as dramatic. In reality, fires in Japan are often small, fast, and smoky — and smoke is the biggest danger.

5.1 If a Fire Starts in Your Home

If it’s small and safe:

Use a fire extinguisher
Aim at the base of the fire

If it’s spreading or smoky:

Get out immediately
Close doors behind you
Do not try to save belongings
Call 119 once you are safe.

5.2 If You Hear a Fire Alarm

Treat all alarms as real
Grab your phone and keys
Use stairs, not elevators
Stay low if there is smoke

If you cannot leave:

Block gaps under doors with towels
Go to a balcony or window
Call for help

火事です（かじです / kaji desu） — There’s a fire
煙があります（けむりがあります / kemuri ga arimasu）— There is smoke
外に出られません（そとにでられません / soto ni deraremasen）— I can’t get outside

6. Gas Leak　ガス漏れ（ガスもれ / gasu more）

Gas leaks are uncommon — but Japan takes them very seriously.

6.1 Signs of a Gas Leak

Strong sulfur / rotten egg smell
Stove flame behaving oddly
Gas meter shutting off automatically

6.2 What To Do Immediately

Open windows and doors
Turn off gas if safe
Do not use phones, lights, or switches
Leave the building

Call your gas company or 119 from outside.

ガス漏れです（ガスもれです / gasu more desu）— There is a gas leak
ガスの匂いがします（ガスのにおいがします / gasu no nioi ga shimasu) — I smell gas

7. Crime & Personal Safety　犯罪・身の安全（はんざい・みのあんぜん / hanzai · mi no anzen）

Japan is very safe — but not crime-free. Knowing what to do makes a big difference.

7.1 If Someone Is Following You

Go into a convenience store or busy place
Tell staff:
「警察を呼んでください」（けいさつをよんでください / keisatsu o yonde kudasai）— Please call the policeCall 110 if needed

Trust your instincts!

7.2 If Your Home Is Broken Into

Do not confront anyone
Leave if possible
Call 110
Follow police instructions

Japanese police are thorough — expect questions.

7.3 Everyday Safety Tips

Use your intercom
Lock doors and windows
Don’t open the door to unknown visitors
Report suspicious behavior

8. Losing Important Documents 書類紛失（しょるいふんしつ / shorui funshitsu）

Losing documents is stressful — but Japan has a clear process.

8.1 First Steps

Go to the nearest police box (交番/こうばん / kōban）and say [your document] をなくした/o nakushimashita）- I lost my [document name]
File a lost or stolen report
Get a receipt or report copy - This document is important.

8.2 Reissuing Key Documents

Passport

Contact your embassy
Bring police report

Residence Card

Report to Immigration
Reapply as soon as possible

Bank Cards / My Number

Contact issuing office immediately

8.3 Tips to Prevent Future Loss

Keep digital copies
Carry only what you need
Japan often returns lost items — report and check with Lost&Found offices inside malls, train stations and police stations

Emergencies are stressful anywhere — but in Japan, knowing the system changes everything.

You don’t need perfect Japanese nor remember everything. Just knowing what to do first is enough.

Stay safe, stay calm, and enjoy Japan 🇯🇵

In case of Emergency