Emergency Number 118 Day (118-ban no Hi)

What is 118 Day?

January 18th is "118 Day" in Japan, named after the emergency telephone number 118. This anniversary, established by the Japan Coast Guard in 2011, aims to raise awareness of the emergency number "118," used for incidents and accidents at sea. Compared to 110 (police) and 119 (fire/ambulance), 118 is still much less well known, and this day exists to help more people learn about it.

What is 118?

118 is the emergency telephone number for contacting the Japan Coast Guard. It has been in operation since May 1, 2000. It's a dedicated line for reporting maritime emergencies—when an accident or incident occurs at sea, when you witness a vessel accident, or when you spot a suspicious ship.

When to call 118

• When you see someone drowning in the sea
• Vessel accidents such as collisions, capsizing, or fires
• When someone is swept away at a beach or harbor
• When you spot illegal fishing or a suspicious vessel
• When you discover marine pollution (such as an oil spill)
• When you find debris or a body adrift at sea

Japan's three emergency numbers

Japan has three emergency telephone numbers, each connecting to a different agency. It's important to call the right number depending on the situation.

The difference between 110, 119, and 118

• 110 — Police (crimes, traffic accidents, etc.)
• 119 — Fire department/ambulance (fires, sudden illness, rescues on land)
• 118 — Japan Coast Guard (incidents and accidents at sea)

The challenge of raising awareness of 118

More than 20 years after its launch, awareness of 118 remains far lower than that of 110 or 119. According to a Japan Coast Guard survey, only about half of the population is aware of the number 118.

The problem of misdialed calls

Of the calls received on 118, only a small fraction are genuine emergencies—the majority are wrong numbers, silent calls, or prank calls. These interfere with the work of keeping the seas safe, so correct understanding and use of the number is essential.

Key points when calling 118

To avoid panicking in an emergency, it helps to remember what information you'll need to provide.

• "When" — the time the accident or incident occurred
• "Where" — as specific a location as possible (port name, beach name, landmarks, etc.)
• "What" — what kind of accident or incident is occurring
• "Current situation" — the current status, whether anyone is injured, etc.
• The caller's name and contact information

The role of the Japan Coast Guard

The Japan Coast Guard is the agency responsible for the safety and order of Japan's seas. It handles a wide range of duties, including maritime patrols using patrol vessels and aircraft, search and rescue operations, crime enforcement, and protection of the marine environment. 118 is a vital line connecting us to these guardians of the sea.

Something worth remembering on 118 Day

Whether you regularly enjoy activities at sea or not, it's worth remembering the number 118. Whether you're walking along the coast or notice something unusual at a port while traveling, your call could save someone's life. "For maritime emergencies, call 118"—a number worth committing to memory on this day.