Living in Japan - Part 3: Finding Doctors, Using #7119 & Emergency Numbers (119 / 110)

Knowing how to access medical care and emergency services in Japan is crucial for your safety and peace of mind. This guide covers emergency numbers, medical consultation services, and resources for finding healthcare providers.

Essential Emergency Numbers

119 - Fire Department & Ambulance

When to call 119:

Fire emergencies of any size
Medical emergencies requiring immediate attention
Ambulance services for serious injuries or illness

What to expect:

Free ambulance service
Transport to appropriate hospital
Emergency medical care en route
Multilingual support in major cities

Important notes:

Stay calm and speak clearly
Provide exact location
Describe the emergency situation
Follow dispatcher instructions

110 - Police

When to call 110:

Criminal activities or crimes in progress
Traffic accidents with injuries
Missing persons
Public safety threats

Response protocol:

Police dispatch to location
Investigation and report filing
Emergency coordination with other services
Language support available in major areas

#7119 - Medical Consultation Hotline

What is #7119:

24/7 medical consultation service
Available in Tokyo and many prefectures
Helps determine if emergency care is needed
Provides guidance on appropriate medical action

When to use #7119:

Unsure if condition requires emergency room visit
Need guidance on severity of symptoms
Want recommendation for appropriate medical facility
Confused about whether to call 119

Services provided:

Nurse consultation
Medical advice
Hospital recommendations
Guidance on emergency vs. non-emergency care

Medical Facility Search Tools

HIMAWARI (Tokyo Medical Information System)

What it provides:

Comprehensive hospital database for Tokyo area
Search by specialty and location
Language support information
Operating hours and contact details

How to use:

Search by medical specialty
Filter by language capabilities
Check real-time availability
Get directions and contact information

Official website: HIMAWARI Tokyo Medical Information

AMDA Medical Center

Services offered:

Multilingual medical consultations
International patient support
Medical interpretation services
Health information in multiple languages

Specialties:

General medicine
Preventive care
Health consultations
Medical referrals

Contact information: AMDA Medical Center

JMIP (Japan Medical Service Accreditation for International Patients)

What is JMIP:

Certification system for international patient-friendly hospitals
Quality assurance for foreign patient care
Standardized service levels

JMIP-certified facilities provide:

Multilingual staff or interpretation services
International patient support
Clear pricing information
Cultural sensitivity training for staff

Official database: JMIP Certified Facilities

Regional Emergency Services

Tokyo Fire Department - #7119

Service coverage:

All 23 Tokyo special wards
Tama area municipalities
Island areas of Tokyo

Service features:

24-hour availability
Nurse consultation
Hospital information
Medical guidance

Official information: Tokyo Fire Department #7119

National #7119 Availability

Participating prefectures:

Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Hyogo
Saitama, Chiba, Kanagawa
And expanding to other regions

Service variations:

Operating hours may vary by prefecture
Language support differs by region
Some areas offer app-based services

National overview: MHLW #7119 Information

Language Support in Emergency Situations

Emergency Communication Tips

Key Japanese phrases:

救急車を呼んでください (Kyūkyūsha o yonde kudasai) - Please call an ambulance
火事です (Kaji desu) - There's a fire
助けてください (Tasukete kudasai) - Please help me

For non-Japanese speakers:

State "English please" clearly
Use translation apps if available
Have someone who speaks Japanese help if possible
Keep important medical information in Japanese

Medical Information Cards

Recommended to carry:

Blood type
Allergies and medications
Emergency contact information
Medical conditions
Insurance information

Prepare in Japanese and English:

Use official medical translation resources
Have pharmacy help with medication names
Keep updated emergency contact list

Finding Regular Healthcare Providers

Primary Care Selection

Factors to consider:

Location and accessibility
Language capabilities
Specialties offered
Insurance acceptance
Appointment availability

Specialist Referrals

Referral system:

Primary care doctors provide referrals
Specialist visits often require referrals
Some specialists accept direct appointments
Referral letters reduce costs at large hospitals

International Clinics

Benefits:

English-speaking staff
Familiar medical practices
International insurance acceptance
Comfortable environment for foreign patients

Considerations:

May be more expensive
Limited locations
Longer wait times
Not always necessary for routine care

Preventive Care and Health Maintenance

Annual Health Checkups

Company-sponsored checkups:

Required for employees
Comprehensive health screening
Early detection of health issues
Covered by health insurance

Municipal health programs:

Available for residents
Age-specific screening programs
Cancer screening initiatives
Vaccination programs

Pharmacy Services

Japanese pharmacies (薬局):

Prescription medications
Over-the-counter drugs
Health consultations
Medical supplies

International pharmacies:

Foreign medications
English consultations
Familiar brands
Import assistance

Emergency Preparedness

Home Emergency Kit

Medical supplies:

First aid materials
Prescription medications (1-week supply)
Emergency contact list
Medical information cards

Communication tools:

Emergency phone numbers list
Translation apps
Emergency Japanese phrases
Backup phone charger

Family Emergency Plan

For families with children:

Pediatric emergency contacts
School emergency procedures
Childcare emergency arrangements
Medical consent forms

Key Takeaways:

Know the difference between 119, 110, and #7119
Use #7119 when unsure about emergency needs
Prepare medical information in Japanese
Research local medical facilities in advance
Keep emergency contacts easily accessible

Next: Part 4 - Child Allowance Overview