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Trouble Breathing in Japan (Shortness of Breath): What to Do Now

Last updated: 2026-03-04

Breathing trouble is one symptom you should not “wait and see” if it’s sudden, severe, or getting worse. This page helps you decide what to do in Japan—fast.

This is general information, not medical advice. If you think it may be serious, treat it as an emergency.

Quick Answer (TL;DR)

  • Call 119 for an ambulance immediately if you have sudden shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
  • In Japan, 119 is the emergency number for ambulance/fire.
  • If you’re unsure whether an ambulance is needed (and you’re in a supported area), #7119 can provide telephone consultation (often Japanese-only).
  • For foreign visitors needing help navigating care, Japan Visitor Hotline is available 24/7 in multiple languages.

30-Second Decision Box (Do this now)

Call an ambulance (119) now if any of these apply

  • Sudden shortness of breath / difficulty breathing
  • Trouble breathing after choking (food stuck in throat)
  • Chest pressure/pain lasting a few minutes (possible heart emergency)
  • Unconsciousness, confusion, or no response
  • Looks obviously very ill / exhaustion with severe symptoms

If you’re in a hotel: ask the front desk to call 119 and guide the ambulance.

Not sure (mild symptoms, stable, able to talk/walk)?

  • Consider phone consultation #7119 (areas vary; often Japanese-only).
  • Or use JNTO “For safe travels in Japan” to find an appropriate medical institution.

Step 1 — How to call an ambulance (119) in Japan

When you call 119, the dispatcher typically asks:

  • Fire or medical emergency?
  • Your location (address or landmark)
  • What happened / symptoms
  • Your age
  • Your name and contact number

If you don’t know the address, tell a nearby landmark/intersection.

Language help: In some areas (e.g., Tokyo/Kyoto), emergency call interpretation/English support is available.

What to say (copy-paste phrases)

  • “I have trouble breathing.”
  • “I can’t breathe well.”
  • “It started suddenly.”
  • “I have chest tightness.”
  • “My location is: [hotel name / landmark / address].”

If choking:

  • “Someone is choking and cannot breathe.”

Step 2 — What to do while waiting for help

Do these safe, low-risk steps:

  1. Sit upright (don’t lie flat if it worsens breathing).
  2. Loosen tight clothing around neck/chest.
  3. Use your prescribed rescue inhaler if you have one (as directed).
  4. If you have a known severe allergy and carry an epinephrine auto-injector, use it as instructed and still call 119.
  5. Do not drive yourself if breathing is worsening—ambulance is the safer option.

If the person becomes unconscious or stops breathing, start CPR if you’re trained and call 119 immediately.

Step 3 — If you’re unsure: #7119 and other help lines

  • #7119 is an emergency telephone consultation service in some regions (commonly Japanese-only).
  • Japan Visitor Hotline (24/7, multilingual) can help foreign visitors in emergencies and with general assistance.

Why “trouble breathing” is treated as urgent

Breathing problems can worsen quickly and may be caused by many conditions (infection, asthma, allergic reaction, heart/lung problems, choking, etc.). You don’t need to diagnose the cause—your job is to act early when red flags appear.

FAQ

Is calling an ambulance (119) free in Japan?

Guidance for foreign residents notes the ambulance call itself is free and ambulance dispatch is a public emergency service.

I’m in Kyoto/Tokyo—can I call 119 in English?

Some local guides note English/interpreter support is available for 119 calls in certain areas (e.g., Tokyo/Kyoto). Availability can vary by region and situation.

I’m not sure it’s “serious enough.”

If you have sudden shortness of breath/difficulty breathing, treat it as serious. It is explicitly listed among symptoms that warrant calling an ambulance.

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