When traveling in Japan, emergencies are rare—Japan is one of the safest countries in the world. But accidents, medical issues, and unexpected situations can still happen. Knowing a few simple Japanese emergency phrases can help you stay calm and communicate clearly with police, hotel staff, or medical professionals.
This guide teaches easy, beginner-friendly Japanese for emergencies, including:
- Medical issues
- Lost items
- Police situations
- Natural disasters
- Asking for urgent help
- Calling an ambulance
Each phrase includes natural English and notes for when to use it.
🚨 1. The Most Important Emergency Phrase
助けてください！
Help, please!
➡ Use only in real emergencies when immediate help is needed.
すみません、困っています。
Excuse me, I’m having trouble.
➡ Softer phrase for non-life-threatening problems.
🏥 2. Medical Emergencies
病院に行きたいです。
I need to go to a hospital.
気分が悪いです。
I don’t feel well.
熱があります。
I have a fever.
痛いです。（胸・頭・お腹・足）
It hurts (my chest / head / stomach / leg).
アレルギーがあります。○○は食べられません。
I have an allergy. I cannot eat ___.
救急車を呼んでください。
Please call an ambulance.
➡ Emergency number in Japan: 119
👮 3. Talking to Police
道に迷いました。
I’m lost.
パスポートをなくしました。
I lost my passport.
財布を盗まれました。
My wallet was stolen.
今、どこに行けばいいですか？
Where should I go now?
英語を話せる人はいますか？
Is there someone who speaks English?
➡ Police emergency number: 110
🧳 4. Lost Items in Public Places
落し物を探しています。
I’m looking for a lost item.
○○をなくしました。
I lost ___.
これを見た人はいますか？
Has anyone seen this?
駅員（えきいん）に聞けますか？
Can I ask a station staff?
どこで手続きできますか？
Where can I file a report?
🌋 5. Natural Disaster Situations (Earthquake, Typhoon)
Japan has strong safety systems. Know these phrases just in case.
地震です！
It’s an earthquake!
高いところへ行ってください！
Please go to higher ground! (tsunami warning)
ここは安全ですか？
Is it safe here?
避難場所はどこですか？
Where is the evacuation area?
ニュースはどこで見られますか？
Where can I watch the news?
🔌 6. Emergencies in Hotels or Airbnb
電気がつきません。
The electricity doesn’t work.
ドアが開きません。
The door won’t open.
水が出ません。
The water isn’t running.
部屋に問題があります。
There’s a problem with the room.
助けを呼んでもらえますか？
Could you call for help?
🚗 7. Transportation Emergencies
電車を乗り過ごしました。
I missed my stop.
道に迷いました。
I’m lost. (very common)
この電車は ○○ に行きますか？
Does this train go to ___?
タクシーを呼んでください。
Please call a taxi.
次のバスはいつですか？
When is the next bus?
🗣️ 8. Important Words to Memorize
| Japanese | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 緊急（きんきゅう） | Emergency |
| 病院（びょういん） | Hospital |
| 警察（けいさつ） | Police |
| 避難（ひなん） | Evacuation |
| 危険（きけん） | Danger |
| 大丈夫（だいじょうぶ） | Okay / safe |
| 助けて（たすけて） | Help |
✨ Tips for Staying Safe in Japan
✔ Save the emergency numbers
- 110 – Police
- 119 – Fire & Ambulance
✔ Screenshot your hotel address
Useful for taxis and emergencies.
✔ Learn 5–10 key phrases
Even simple Japanese helps a lot.
✔ Ask locals—they are extremely helpful
Japanese people generally go out of their way to assist visitors.
🎯 Want Survival Japanese Lessons?
Start with our 4 free beginner lessons, designed to help you communicate confidently in everyday and emergency situations.
📌 More Links for Japanese Learners
- Japanese Festivals for Beginners
- Essential Kanji for Daily Life
- How to Handle Awkward Silences in Japanese Conversations
- Japan’s Best Food Tours
Learn essential Japanese phrases for emergencies while traveling—medical issues, police, lost items, hotel problems, natural disasters, and more. Beginner-friendly survival Japanese.
