Frequently Asked Questions (Emergency)

QuestionWhat kind of crime is committed if someone makes a prank call to 119?

Response

Those who discover a fire are required by Article 24 of the Fire Service Act to report it to the fire department. However, if someone makes a false report resulting in a fire truck being dispatched, but there is no smoke or flames at the scene, they will be subject to a fine of up to 300,000 yen or detention.
Additionally, those who make prank calls are subject to the crime of obstructing fire services, which falls under the crime of fraudulent business obstruction, and according to Article 233 of the Penal Code, they may face imprisonment of up to 3 years or a fine of up to 500,000 yen.