Disaster Preparedness

The safety and security of Filipino citizens in Japan is one of the Embassy’s top priorities. The Embassy may provide information on conditions in the country, such as warnings about areas of unrest, how and where to seek help, and other useful information.

In more severe situations, the Embassy may recommend that Filipino citizens leave the immediate area or the country itself if it is safe to do so. If commercial transportation is unavailable, and if the conditions permit, the Embassy will do its best to identify what transportation options may be available to help Filipino citizens travel out of the crisis location.

Crisis Information

Alerts for events as diverse as heavy rain, excessive heat, landslides, tsunamis, earthquakes, and civil protection can be received via:

• national television;
• loudspeakers that blast warnings (in some communities);
• radios; and
• cell phones.

These alerts can provide early warning emergency alerts on earthquakes predicted in a specific area, sometimes seconds before the earthquake hits. It also provides warnings about other threats.

If you can’t understand Japanese but are hearing or seeing emergency messages, pay attention and ask people around you what it means – it may be very helpful.

Establish Your Personal Social Network, Get to Know the People Around

Whether you have been living in Japan for a day or a decade, many times the best information comes from people in your network or local friends, acquaintances, and coworkers. This is especially important if you are unable to read and speak Japanese. If you’re a tourist, your social network could be very crucial.

Social Media Can Be a Supplemental Source of Useful Information

Social Media platforms like Facebook can be a useful platform for timely updates. Visit and like the pages of the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo or the Philippine Consulate near you to get the latest updates. The pages can be a helpful source of crucial information.

Your Smartphone May Be a Vital Life Line

If you have a smartphone with a contract to a local Japanese mobile provider, you may already be able to receive safety alerts like text messages through your phone. Check with your local provider as this typically requires a unique email address associated with your mobile account. If you do have this capability through your provider, you may be able to also get this information in English.

In case of ambulance/emergency rescue or even fire:

• Call 119
• Japan Helpline
  Hotline that entertains inquiries from a simple question to emergency assistance. Available in English.
  Website | 05-7000-0911 (Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)

For Disaster-related Information:

• Safety Tips
  An app that pushes information alerts to users about disasters.
  Available in English.
  Website
• The Japan Meteorological Agency
  The primary source for many of the crisis alerts in Japan
  Also available in English and Tagalog.
  Website
• Japan’s Cabinet Secretariat
  The primary source of information on civil protection
  Website
• General Insurance Association of Japan (GIAJ)
  For information on staying safe in Japan
  Website