The police emergency number in Japan is 110. You can also find koban (police boxes) throughout cities for non-emergency help. This guide covers how to call, what to say, and your rights if you are arrested in Japan as a foreigner or need to contact English-speaking lawyers.
ℹ️ Emergency vs. Consultation
110 = Police emergency (crimes in progress, accidents, immediate danger). #9110 = Police consultation line (non-urgent reports, questions, advice). #9110 has multilingual support and is less intimidating for non-emergency situations.
⚠️ If Police Approach You on the Street
Police may ask to see your residence card (zairyu card) or passport. You are legally required to carry ID in Japan. If you are a tourist, carry your passport. If you feel you are being treated unfairly, note the officer's badge number and contact your embassy.
Step-by-Step Guide
- 1
Dial 110 for police emergencies
Say "Police please" or "Keisatsu o onegaishimasu" (警察をお願いします). For non-emergency police consultation, call #9110 — this line also offers interpreter services in multiple languages.
💡#9110 is Japan's police consultation line (non-emergency) with multilingual support.
- 2
State your location and what happened
Give your address or nearest landmark. Describe the incident: theft, accident, threat. Say "I need an interpreter" — police have access to phone interpretation services.
- 3
Stay calm and cooperative
Japanese police generally respond calmly and professionally. Cooperate with requests to stay at the scene. You are not required to answer questions without a lawyer present if you are a suspect.
- 4
File a report if needed
For crimes (theft, assault), request a higai todoke (被害届) — victim's report. This is essential for insurance claims, embassy notifications, and visa documentation.
- 5
Get copies of all documents
Request a copy of the report number (受理番号). This is needed for insurance claims and embassy contact. Note the officer's badge number and police station name.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the police number in Japan?
110 is the police emergency number in Japan. For non-emergencies and advice, call #9110.
Do Japanese police speak English?
Some officers in major cities have basic English. Most police stations have access to phone interpreters. The #9110 consultation line has multilingual support.
Do I have to show ID to police in Japan?
Yes. Foreigners in Japan are legally required to carry their residence card (zairyu card) or passport at all times.
What should I do if I'm a victim of a crime in Japan?
Call 110 immediately for in-progress crimes. For crimes that have already occurred (theft, fraud), go to your nearest police station or koban and request a higai todoke (victim's report).
Can I call the police if someone is harassing me in Japan?
Yes. Harassment, stalking, and threats are police matters. Call 110 if the situation is immediate. Use #9110 for consultation on ongoing situations.
Gaijin Support Editorial Team
Japan Life Support Specialists
Written by a team of foreign residents in Japan with combined 50+ years of experience navigating Japanese legal, medical, and administrative systems.
Reviewed by Gaijin Support Emergency Coordinators, Emergency Response Team · Last updated June 2026