How to Stay Safe in Japan When Language Barriers Arise

Current State of Multilingual Support in Japan and Challenges During Disasters

As the number of foreign tourists visiting Japan continues to grow, the language barrier remains a significant challenge. Communicating effectively in English or other languages is often difficult, and visitors frequently encounter situations where English is not widely understood. While some Japanese people are fluent in English, opportunities for seamless communication are still limited.

English education in Japan is improving, but fluency levels are generally still low. Major tourist areas and cities are making strides to provide multilingual support; however, rural regions often lack such resources, leaving travelers to find their own solutions.

English Proficiency in Japan and Key Challenges

English education in Japan begins in the later years of elementary school. However, as most people rarely use English in daily life, many Japanese lack practical conversational skills. According to a 2023 report by EF Education First, a global language education organization based in Switzerland, Japan ranked 87th out of 113 non-English-speaking countries and territories. In Asia, Japan placed 15th out of 23 regions, falling into the "low proficiency" category, which spans from 64th to 90th worldwide. This rating underscores Japan’s ongoing struggle with English language skills.

Japan’s government is aware of this issue and has implemented policies to improve the curriculum and raise English proficiency. Yet, limited daily exposure to English outside of school continues to hinder progress. Consequently, communication challenges with foreign tourists persist, even in the hospitality and service industries.

Language Barriers and Communication Challenges During Disasters

In a country prone to natural disasters, Japan faces a pressing need for multilingual communication, particularly during emergencies. However, language barriers are a persistent issue. When disasters strike, phrases like "evacuation" or "move to higher ground" may not be familiar to foreign visitors. Without understanding these crucial instructions, tourists risk delaying evacuation, which could endanger their safety.

Finding evacuation shelters or distribution sites for relief supplies can also be challenging without Japanese language skills. Japanese place names or terms for essential items can be difficult for foreigners to understand, potentially limiting their access to support. In emergency situations, the speed of communication is vital, highlighting the importance of multilingual preparedness.

Risks of Isolation and Confusion in Crisis Situations

Foreign tourists who struggle with Japanese face the risk of isolation in disaster situations. At evacuation shelters, they may have trouble communicating with Japanese residents or understanding shelter rules, leading to potential conflicts or misunderstandings. Additionally, Japanese people themselves may panic during severe disasters, such as a magnitude 7 earthquake, adding to the chaos and making it difficult to maintain order.

Large-scale disasters may also lead to power outages or communication network disruptions, affecting mobile and internet connectivity. For foreign visitors, these restrictions amplify concerns over limited access to crucial information.

Being prepared to manage potential language barriers during emergencies is essential for foreign visitors to Japan. Learning basic emergency-related Japanese phrases, using translation apps, and other preemptive measures can reduce risks posed by language obstacles.

Essential Preparedness Tips for Foreign Tourists

Here are recommended actions to help ensure a safer stay in Japan for foreign visitors:

1. Carry a Mobile Battery Charger

   Since power outages are common in disaster situations, losing device battery power can cut off communication. Bringing a mobile battery charger as a backup power source is crucial. If possible, consider a compact solar panel charger for outdoor recharging options.

2. Install a Translation App

   Pre-downloading a translation app that works offline can be incredibly useful in emergencies. When evacuation instructions or signs are in Japanese only, a translation app can help visitors understand the necessary information.

3. Learn Basic Japanese Emergency Phrases

   Learning simple phrases like "shelter," "water," "doctor," and "danger" in Japanese can be valuable in times of need. Having these written down or memorized helps in understanding basic instructions during emergencies.

4. Use Local Disaster Apps

   Japan offers several disaster information apps that provide updates in multiple languages. Apps like "NHK World Japan" and "Safety Tips" are especially helpful for getting real-time information in a crisis.

Conclusion

For foreign travelers, the language barrier during disasters in Japan presents a notable risk to personal safety. Although Japan is gradually improving its multilingual services, they remain insufficient for many situations. By taking proactive measures such as carrying a mobile battery charger, downloading translation and disaster apps, and learning key Japanese phrases, foreign visitors can better prepare for potential emergencies, ensuring a safer and more secure travel experience in Japan.