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When a U.S. citizen is the victim of a crime in Japan, he or she may suffer from physical, emotional or financial injuries. It can be more difficult because the victim may be in unfamiliar surroundings, and may not know the local language or customs. Consular staff at throughout Mission Japan know local government agencies, resources, and are committed to assisting U.S. citizens who become victims of crime while abroad.
If you are a victim of crime in Japan
Your safety is important. Try and move to the safer place and contact the police in their local area. Everywhere in Japan, the Police Emergency Number is: 110. Fire and ambulance services can be summoned by dialing 119. Advice on how to call for an ambulance in Japan is available on our Calling for Help page. If you need to contact a doctor and/or a lawyer, please see our list of Medical Facilities and doctors, dentists and hospitals and list of English Speaking Attorneys in your area.
Call 110 for police
The time is crucial to examine and preserve evidence, so you may want to reach out to the police as early as possible.
If you have experienced a sexual assault, please call 110 for police. This is the Japanese emergency number, and you should be connected to an English-speaking officer who can take down information about your case and dispatch an officer.
Filing a report
Investigation of a sexual assault case begins when a victim’s report is filed with the local police. You may request that a female officer be present if you so choose.
Treatment and Examination at hospital
Police can also accompany you to the hospital and guide you through the examination and evidence collection process. A doctor will provide treatment for acute injuries, as well as tests and treatment related to sexually transmitted diseases, HIV exposure, and pregnancy. You can obtain a forensic examination/kit if needed.
Evidence and Interviews
Police and prosecutors may require you to submit evidence in due course and participate in interviews. Some cases also require participation in an “on-site verification” at the crime scene, wherein police officers will walk through the explanation of the crime with the victim. This can take quite some time, as the police try to be meticulous in evidence-gathering.
For more information on general police procedures, please visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Police’s website.
Investigations, Trial and After Trial
The police will carry out investigations. Upon arrest of the perpetrator, they refer your case to the Prosecutors Office. The course of criminal proceedings includes prosecution by the public prosecutor, trial, court decision, and execution of sentence.
If you do not wish to report the crime
We recommend that you reach out to local service providers including medical institutions for immediate medical needs. At the hospital you can obtain medical treatment, emergency contraception, STD tests.
Getting Support
There are several English-speaking resources:
SARC (Sexual Assault Relief Center) Tokyo – 03-5607-0799; 24/7 Tokyo based hotline for sexual assault. SARC Tokyo provides comprehensive advocacy service for survivors immediately after sexual assault, including telephone/interview consultation, reference and accompaniment to hospital, and accompaniment to police. SARC Tokyo also provides referral to lawyers experienced in crime victim assistance.
Tokyo Rape Crisis Center – 03-3207-3692; Wed 18:00-21:00; Sat 15:00-18:00; Answering machines are available. “We give her medical and legal information that is necessary, and victim herself tries to find out what to do with assistance from our counselor. If a victim wishes, the center provides names of female doctors and lawyers associated with it. We sometimes rally for support of the victim during trails.”
Tokyo English Lifeline (TELL) – 03-5447-0992; Free, anonymous, confidential telephone counseling, every day serves Japan from 9:00-23:00. English-speaking resources and support. Online TELL Chat is available every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 pm to 2 am. “We will sensitively discuss your options and explore your feelings. We can help you connect to services, organizations and support in the community.”
Counseling Center for Women – 0120-123-397 (Toll-free), 090-8001-4695; Monday- Friday 10:00-17:00. “For Foreign Women who want to consult but find it hard to go to Consultation Windows provided by the Ward/City Offices or go to the Police, information regarding Support can be obtained from Consultation over the Phone provided by special NGO’s multilingual service.”
Attorneys in Japan (List by prefecture): U.S. Embassy’s website
Legal Counseling for Foreigners: Japan Federation of Bar Associations
Information on how criminal proceedings are carried out in Japan, and what kind of support the victims receive are available on Public Prosecutor’s Office’s website, Victim Protection and Victim Support.
If you are a Japanese speaker, or your friend will be able to assist you in Japanese language, you may want to call the local “One-stop service” Support Center for sexual assault nearby. They work together with obstetricians and gynecologists as well as legal professions. The nation-wide common number #8891 will reach to the consultation office at the nearest prefectural police headquarters.
U.S. Department of State travel website
Resources in the U.S. for Victims of Crime
U.S. Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women, Information about local sexual assault victim assistance coalitions.
State-specific victim compensation information
If you are the victim of a crime while overseas you may benefit from specialized resources for crime victims available in the U.S. All states operate crime victim compensation programs and nearly half of them offer benefits to their residents who are victims of violent crime overseas. Information about each state’s crime victim compensation program and how to apply for compensation is available on the Internet at the website of the National Association of Crime Victim Compensation Boards.
RAINN (Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network)
Toll-free 24/7 hotline for sexual assault counseling and referrals: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). RAINN also offers a hotline that provides live, secure, anonymous crisis support for victims of sexual violence, their friends, and families over RAINN’s website. The Online Hotline is free of charge and is available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)– Anonymous and confidential help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Hotline advocates are available for victims and anyone calling on their behalf to provide crisis intervention, safety planning, information about domestic violence, and referrals to agencies in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
NOTE: The agencies and organizations listed on this international directory have not been vetted by the U.S. Department of State or other federal agency.
If you have experienced a domestic violence, and been in the face of imminent danger, please call 110 for police. This is the Japanese emergency number, and you should be connected to an English-speaking officer who can take down information about your case and dispatch an officer. They may be able to assist you connecting to the shelter through support of your local ward/city office. For more information on general police procedures, please visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Police’s website.
If you want to escape your abuser, please call Spousal Violence Counseling and Support Center in your prefecture or call 0120-279-889 (“DV Soudan Navi” – your call will be transferred automatically to the nearest Spousal Violence Counseling and Support Center). They offer consultation, counseling, and temporary protection of victims.
If you want the abuser to be kept away, you need to file a petition with the District Court. You will be asked to indicate whether you consulted a police or Spousal Violence Counseling and Support Center. If you have not consulted them, you will need to attach documents authenticated at a notarial office.
For more information on available support for victims of domestic violence, please visit “Information for Foreigners” on Gender Equality Bureau Cabinet Office’s website.
Getting Support
There are several English-speaking resources:
Tokyo English Lifeline (TELL) – 03-5447-0992; Free, anonymous, confidential telephone counseling, every day serves Japan from 9:00-23:00. English-speaking resources and support. Online TELL Chat is available every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 pm to 2 am. “We will sensitively discuss your options and explore your feelings. We can help you connect to services, organizations and support in the community.”
Yorisoi Hotline (Helpline for Foreigners) – 0120-279-338 (Toll-free); Free telephone consultation service for foreigners available everyday between 10:00 – 22:00. Yorisoi Hotline is a model project by Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare. “Are you having a problem with your visa, nationality, family, work, everyday living, discrimination, domestic violence, confinement, or human trafficking? Please call us about any problem you may have. Your privacy will be protected.”
Counseling Center for Women – 0120-123-397 (Toll-free), 090-8001-4695; Monday- Friday 10:00-17:00. “For Foreign Women who want to consult but find it hard to go to Consultation Windows provided by the Ward/City Offices or go to the Police, information regarding Support can be obtained from Consultation over the Phone provided by special NGO’s multilingual service.”
Women’s Human Rights Hotline (by Ministry of Justice Legal Affairs Bureaus) – 0570-070-810. Services available from 8:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. weekdays. Offers support and advice to women who are victims of bullying, sexual harassment at work, domestic violence or psychological abuse.
HELP (House in Emergency of Love and Peace) by Kyofukai Japan Christian Women’s Organization – Tel: 03-3368-8855
Pathways to Safety International – 00-539-111-833-SAFE-833(00-539-111-833-723-3833) from Japan; 24/7 international toll-free crisis line. Nongovernmental organization that specializes in serving Americans experiencing interpersonal and gender based violence abroad. Pathways’ web chat services are available Monday–Friday, 6:30am-7:00pm Pacific Standard Time. To reach outside of those hours, please email crisis@pathwaystosafety.org
U.S. Department of State travel website
Resources in the U.S. for Victims of Crime
U.S. Department of Justice Office on Violence against Women
Extensive information on domestic violence and sources of help, including domestic violence DV assistance programs listed by county for each state in the U.S.
State-specific victim compensation information
If you are the victim of a crime while overseas you may benefit from specialized resources for crime victims available in the U.S. All states operate crime victim compensation programs and nearly half of them offer benefits to their residents who are victims of violent crime overseas. Information about each state’s crime victim compensation program and how to apply for compensation is available on the Internet at the website of the National Association of Crime Victim Compensation Boards.
RAINN (Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network) – Toll-free 24/7 hotline for sexual assault counseling and referrals: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). RAINN also offers a hotline that provides live, secure, anonymous crisis support for victims of sexual violence, their friends, and families over RAINN’s website. The Online Hotline is free of charge and is available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.
International Directory of Domestic Violence Agencies – Global list of abuse hotlines, shelters, refuges, crisis centers and women’s organizations, plus domestic violence information in over 90 languages.
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)– Anonymous and confidential help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Hotline advocates are available for victims and anyone calling on their behalf to provide crisis intervention, safety planning, information about domestic violence, and referrals to agencies in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
NOTE: The agencies and organizations listed on this international directory have not been vetted by the U.S. Department of State or other federal agency.
Please call your nearest Consulate or Embassy:
Emergency Contact – All Locations Enroll in STEP International Parental Child Abduction Arrest of a U.S. Citizen Death of a U.S. Citizen Victims of Crime Emergency Financial Assistance