Health & Medical Care / H001-05

Sudden illness, emergencies, nights and holidays

For sudden illness or injuries, it is important to decide whether to call 119, seek advice through #7119 where available, or find an out-of-hours medical facility.

Last updated: October 9, 2026

Decision guide when unsure

You suddenly feel ill or are injured

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Are there emergency signs, such as unconsciousness, severe breathing difficulty or sudden intense chest pain?

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Yes
Call 119 for an ambulance

No
Check local emergency advice and out-of-hours services

If symptoms are dangerous, call 119 immediately rather than waiting for advice or searching. Availability of #7119 varies by region.

Three points to remember

119

Request an ambulance in a serious emergency

#7119

Use emergency consultation where available

Nights and holidays

Search NABII for facilities offering out-of-hours care

First decide

Possible life-threatening conditionUnconsciousness, breathing difficulties, intense chest pain, heavy bleeding or continuing seizures: prioritize 119.

Unsure whether to call an ambulanceConsult #7119 if the service is available in your area.

Need care at night or on a holidaySearch NABII for facilities currently open or handling nights and holidays.

Mild symptomsIf not urgent, consider a visit during regular consultation hours.

1. Main signs for calling 119

Consider calling an ambulance immediately if you notice the following signs.
Unconsciousness or poor responsiveness; sudden severe chest pain; extreme breathing difficulty; heavy bleeding; sudden slurred speech or difficulty moving one side of the body; a severe allergic reaction; and similar symptoms.

2. What is #7119?

#7119 is an emergency consultation service where doctors, nurses, emergency medical technicians and other staff may advise whether an ambulance is needed or whether to visit a hospital now. Areas and operating hours vary. It is not available uniformly throughout Japan.Fire and Disaster Management Agency list of #7119 service areas and hoursCheck whether your area is covered, eligible ages and service hours. EasyJapanLife plans more detailed local guides. For severe symptoms, call 119 without waiting to check.

Explain symptoms
Give the person’s age, symptoms and when they started.

Assess urgency
Determine whether an ambulance, immediate visit or next-day visit is appropriate.

Get facility information if needed
Ask about suitable places to receive care.

3. What foreign residents should tell 119

Important note:#7119 availability, hours and eligible ages vary by area. Check your municipality or the Fire and Disaster Management Agency’s latest guidance. For unconsciousness, severe breathing difficulty or intense chest pain, call 119 rather than waiting for #7119 or searching.

LocationAddress, building name and nearby landmark.

What happened?Illness, injury or traffic accident?

SymptomsConsciousness, breathing, bleeding, pain and more.

Contact informationYour telephone number.

If Japanese is difficult
Start with short, essential information such as “Emergency”, “My address is…” or “The person is unconscious”. Multilingual assistance varies by area.

4. Finding care at night or on holidays

Open NABII
Select currently open or night/holiday services.

Specialty and location
Filter by symptoms and your location.

Call first
Confirm that you can be seen before going.

5. What to bring

My Number health insurance card or eligibility certificate

Medication notebook and medicine information

Residence card or other identification

Cash or another payment method

Notes by residence and employment status

Technical interns and specified skilled workersIf you feel unwell at night or on a holiday, your employer or support contact may help if reachable. With severe symptoms, prioritize 119 rather than waiting.

International studentsUse your school’s emergency contacts if available, but prioritize 119 for a serious emergency.

EveryoneWhatever your residence status, do not hesitate to request emergency help for unconsciousness, severe breathing difficulties, major bleeding or other serious signs.

Official information

Fire and Disaster Management Agency: #7119 Ministry of Health: Medical Information Network

#7119 is available only in participating areas and its hours differ. For a serious emergency, call 119 without waiting for advice.

Emergency and After-Hours Care