Japan Fire Brigade Number: 119

Fire Brigade Emergency Service in Japan — Complete Guide

When traveling to Japan or living there as an expat, knowing the correct fire brigade number in Japan is critical for emergency preparedness. The official emergency contact line for fire brigade services in Japan is 119, which is operated and monitored by Fire and Disaster Management Agency. Fire emergency via 119. Shared number with ambulance. Fire departments handle fires, rescues, earthquakes, and disaster response.

How to Dial 119 in Japan

To reach the Fire and Disaster Response in Japan, dial 119 from any local fixed line, cellular phone, or public payphone. Dialing from mobile devices is fully supported across local mobile operators and international roaming SIM cards. A SIM card is typically required by mobile operators in Japan. If you lack a SIM card, dial the universal emergency number 112. Calls to this emergency service are 100% free of charge — no prepaid airtime credit or active subscription plan is required.

Calling from International Roaming or Abroad

If you are within Japan using an international roaming SIM card, you can dial 119 directly without any country code prefix. If you need to contact emergency dispatch in Japan from an international location, the country calling code is +81.

Language & Communication with Dispatchers

Emergency operators in Japan communicate primarily in ja. If you do not speak ja, remain calm and state your language immediately (e.g. "English, please"). Most national dispatch centers have access to telephonic interpretation services or English-speaking officers to ensure rapid dispatch.

What to Expect When You Dial 119

When you call the fire brigade number in Japan, you will be connected to a trained dispatcher at Fire and Disaster Management Agency. These operators are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. When connected, clearly state:

• Your exact location (city, neighborhood, landmark, or GPS coordinates)
• The nature of the emergency (fire brigade assistance)
• Number of individuals involved or needing immediate medical/police/fire assistance
• Your contact number for callback if disconnected

All Emergency Numbers in Japan

Please note that Japan utilizes dedicated emergency lines for different agencies. Besides the Fire Brigade (119), the following emergency services can also be reached directly: Police (Keisatsu) (110), Ambulance and Fire Service (119), Fire and Disaster Response (119), Japan Coast Guard (Kaijō Hoan-chō) (118). Additionally, the universal emergency contact number 112 is active across Japan and will redirect calls to the appropriate local agency.

Official Regulatory & Government Source

The emergency number 119 is verified against official directories published by Fire and Disaster Management Agency. Last verified on 2026-01. If you notice any outdated information or changed hotline details, please contact our editorial team so we can update the platform for traveler safety.