Disaster Medical Information for Foreign Residents

Japan’s disaster medical response system

Japan is one of the world’s most disaster-prepared countries, with extensive systems for responding to the earthquakes, typhoons, and tsunamis that regularly affect different regions. The medical response system for disasters includes DMAT (Disaster Medical Assistance Teams, 災害派遣医療チーム), prefectural disaster hospitals, stockpiled medical supplies, and coordination with the Self-Defense Forces for large-scale events.

Foreign residents benefit from this system directly — evacuation centers, emergency medical units, and public health resources are available to all registered residents regardless of nationality. Knowing how the system works before a disaster occurs is part of practical disaster preparedness.

Before a disaster: personal preparation

Medication stockpile. For any ongoing prescription medications, maintaining a small personal stockpile (within prescription limits) reduces the risk of a dangerous interruption if supply chains are disrupted after a major disaster. Discuss this with your prescribing physician.

Carry your medical information. Prepare a laminated card with your name, blood type, medical conditions, current medications with dosages, known allergies, and an emergency contact. Japanese on one side is most useful for disaster responders.

Know your evacuation center. Your municipal office provides a designated evacuation center for your address. Locate it in advance and note the route.

Register with the disability/special needs registry. If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to evacuate independently, contact your municipal office about the welfare evacuation registry (避難行動要支援者名簿). This list is used to coordinate assisted evacuation.

During a disaster: immediate priorities

When an earthquake strikes, the standard protocol is Drop, Cover, and Hold On — drop to hands and knees, take cover under a sturdy table or against an interior wall, and hold on until shaking stops. Immediately after shaking, check for gas leaks (do not use open flames) and turn off electricity at the breaker if there is risk of fire.

For tsunamis: if you are in a coastal area and experience a major earthquake or receive a J-Alert tsunami warning, do not wait for official confirmation. Move immediately to higher ground. The vertical distance matters more than horizontal distance.

Call 119 only for genuine emergencies. After a major disaster, 119 lines will be overloaded. Use your own first aid capability for minor injuries and reserve 119 for life-threatening situations.

At the evacuation center

Evacuation centers (避難所, hinanjo) are typically schools, community centers, or public halls designated as assembly points and temporary shelter by the municipality. When you arrive:

• Register at the reception desk with your name, address, and number of people in your group
• Inform staff of any medical conditions requiring attention
• Special needs areas are typically designated for those requiring ongoing medication, medical equipment, or nursing support

Medical teams (DMAT and local health workers) deployed to evacuation centers can perform triage, distribute emergency medications, and provide first aid. They may not be able to manage complex conditions that require hospitalization — in large-scale disasters, the system prioritizes getting those with serious medical needs to functioning hospitals via coordinated transport.

After the disaster: reconnecting with regular care

After the acute phase, restoring access to regular medical care is a priority. Contact your usual clinic as soon as communications permit — they will advise on appointment scheduling and prescription renewals. If your usual clinic has been damaged, municipal health coordination offices will post information about available alternative providers.

Last reviewed: September 2026