Safety in Japan

If you violate Japanese laws, you may be arrested or deported from Japan. While in Japan, please be aware of the following points:

• Always carry your residence card with you. Failing to have your residence card with you is a misdemeanor.
• Doing part-time job without permission (shikakugai katusdo) or doing a work which is not allowed is a violation of Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act.
• Police officers may ask you some questions when you are riding double on a bicycle, riding a bicycle while holding an umbrella or riding a bicycle without light at night. Also, you may be arrested if you are not riding your bicycle or a bicycle which does not have bicycle security registration.
• You may be arrested if you have a knife whether you say it is for your own protection.
• Lending your personal ID, such as your residence card or health insurance card to someone or borrowing someone's personal ID is illegal in Japan.

To Report a Crime, Theft, or Traffic Accident (Dial the police department at 110.)

These calls are handled across Japan on a 24-hour basis. If someone is injured, the police can call an ambulance.

How to Make an Emergency 110 Call

• Lift the telephone receiver and if there is an emergency button on the telephone, press this button before dialling 110. If there is no such button, dial 110 without an area code.
  *When you make an emergency call by payphone, you can dial 110 or 119 without coin/card.
• Explain whether you are calling to report a traffic accident or a crime (such as a robbery).
• Give the location of the accident or incident, the address, or any landmarks of the location where you are; give your name as well.

Concerning the Use of Illegal Drugs

In Japan, possession of all illegal drugs, such as marijuana, stimulants, cocaine, heroin, opium, LSD, and MDMA, are strictly prohibited by law. Please be aware that possession of even a small amount of any of these illegal drugs is punishable by law as a criminal offense and could lead to serving a sentence in jail.

Created: December 13, 2017 / Last modified:December 13, 2017