110 Emergency Call Day

What Is 110 Day?

January 10th is "110-ban no Hi" (110 Emergency Number Day) in Japan. The National Police Agency established it in December 1985, and it has been observed since 1986. The date comes from 110, Japan's emergency phone number for the police. On this day police across the country run campaigns on the proper use of 110, and some hold tours of their communications command centers.

The History of 110

The 110 system began following a recommendation from the postwar General Headquarters of the Allied occupation (GHQ).

• It started in 1948: On October 1, 1948, emergency police phone lines began in eight major cities including Tokyo. The numbers varied by area, however: Tokyo used 110 from the start, while Osaka, Kyoto and Kobe used 1110 and Nagoya used 118. The number was unified nationwide as 110 in 1954.
• Why "110": Reasons given include that it is easy to remember, that three digits reduce misdials, and that "1" takes the least time to return on a rotary dial phone. There is also a theory that the final "0," which takes the longest to dial, was chosen to give callers a moment to calm down.

How the 110 System Has Evolved

• Calls from mobile phones: Today, more than 70 percent of 110 calls come from mobile phones and other mobile devices. For mobile calls, a system is in place to notify the police of the caller's location.
• Video reporting: The "110 Video Reporting System," which lets callers send the police video or images of the scene taken with their smartphones, began trial operation nationwide in October 2022 and moved to full operation in April 2023.

Fun Facts About 110

• #9110 for consultations: For non-urgent matters, the police consultation line "#9110" is the place to call. 110 is for emergencies such as crimes and accidents.
• Number of calls: According to the White Paper on Police, there were about 10.6 million 110 calls nationwide in 2024 -- roughly one every three seconds.
• 118 and 119: Incidents and accidents at sea are reported to the Japan Coast Guard at 118, and fires and medical emergencies at 119. January 18th is "118 Day" and November 9th is "119 Day."
• Emergency numbers around the world: The U.S. and Canada use 911, the U.K. uses 999, and the countries of the European Union share the common number 112.

Ways to Spend 110 Day

• Save "#9110" in your smartphone contacts and confirm when to use it versus 110
• Go over with your family how to calmly explain what happened, when and where when making a call
• Double-check the address of your home and workplace, and nearby landmarks
• Check your local police station's website or social media for 110 Day campaign information

Being able to call calmly and correctly in an emergency helps the police reach people in need as quickly as possible. January 10th is a good chance to review how to use 110.