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Calling 119, Fires, and Emergency Phone Numbers

Illustration depicting emergency response connecting a phone call to an ambulance, fire engine, and hospital

Do This Right Now

For a fire or medical emergency, call 119Difference from 110: emergency incidents or accidents that require the police

In Japan, call 119 when you need a fire engine or an ambulance.

For emergency incidents or accidents that require the police, call 110.

Calling 119

When you call 119, you will first be asked, "Is it a fire or a medical emergency?"

Stay calm and tell them:

  • Whether it is a fire or a medical emergency
  • Where you are / your address
  • Nearby buildings, intersections, or other landmarks
  • What is happening
  • Your name
  • Your phone number

If the situation is highly urgent, a fire engine or ambulance may be dispatched before all the questions are finished.

If you find a fire, shout to alert others and call 119.
If you find a fire, shout to alert others and call 119.
Only try to put out a fire when you safely can, and evacuate immediately if it's dangerous.
Only try to put out a fire when you safely can, and evacuate immediately if it's dangerous.
Once you get outside, do not go back in, even for something important.
Once you get outside, do not go back in, even for something important.

If you do not know the address

Tell them about nearby shops, stations, intersections, large buildings, or other landmarks.

You may also be able to check your current location using a map on your smartphone.

In case of a fire

Prioritize your own safety.

Do not force yourself to put out the fire — if it is dangerous, evacuate the building and call 119.

119

  • Fires and medical emergencies

110

  • Emergency incidents or accidents that require the police

The difference from 110

  • 119: fires and medical emergencies
  • 110: emergency incidents or accidents that require the police

For non-emergency inquiries, there are separate consultation counters for each.

What you can check next

  • Sudden illness, ambulances, and nighttime/holiday care
  • If you have been the victim of a crime. Calling 110
  • Traffic accidents you were in or caused

Main places to check

  • Fire and Disaster Management Agency
  • National Police Agency

Last checked: August 2026