📞 Survival Guide / Emergency Services

Police Emergency 110

Police Emergency 110 (警察 110番 - Hyakutō-ban)

📖 Meaning & Etiquette

The free emergency phone number '110' ('Hyakuto-ban') used to contact the police immediately in Japan for crimes, traffic accidents, or physical altercations. Police will dispatch patrol cars within minutes.

💡 Cultural Background

Introduced in 1948 under GHQ guidance. Similar to 119, '1' was dialed twice for maximum speed, followed by '0' to prevent dialing mistakes, creating the famous '110' siren code.

💬 Useful Conversation Phrases

Dial 110. The dispatcher will ask: 'Crime (Jiken) or Accident (Jiko)?'. State what happened and your current location. Say 'English, please' if you need a translator to join the line.

車と自転車の衝突事故を目撃したので、すぐに110番に通報しました。 / パスポートを盗まれたときは、警察署に行って「盗難届」を出す必要があります。

🔊 I witnessed a collision accident between a car and a bicycle, so I immediately called 110. / If your passport is stolen, you must visit a police station to file a 'Stolen Goods Report'.

❓ Bilingual Survival Quiz

What is the emergency phone number to contact the police in Japan?

Recommended Learning Resources

VOCAB N5 Vocabulary Practice → KANJI N5 Kanji Stroke Practice → GRAMMAR N5 Grammar Explanation →