Living Guide Q&A "Incidents and Accidents"

Electronic Money Troubles

The number of victims abusing electronic money as well as cash as a method of payment for scam activities, such as false billing for nonpayment of internet pay site usage fees, has been increasing rapidly.
※With electronic money such as prepaid cards, the value of the electronic money is transferred simply by giving the number and other information on the card, without having to hand the card to the other party.

It’s a scam!

"Buy an electronic money card at a convenience store and tell me your card number."

"The usage fee has not been paid. If payment is not made by the end of today, legal procedures will be initiated."

※The term "legal procedures" is used to stir up the victim’s anxiety!

！Do not reply to or contact any billings that you do not remember.
！ Businesses, Ministry of Justice, courts, etc., will never ask you to purchase an electronic money card at a convenience store under the name of "payment of unpaid fees."

Money laundering (To make the person who has the money related to crime indiscernible) is illegal!

It’s a scam!

"I want you to transfer this money from your account. I will give you 10,000 yen."

！ It is illegal to give your account to another person.
！ If you cannot determine whether the provider is illegal or not, please do not use that provider. Any provider that is not on the list of registered fund transfer service providers on the Financial Services Agency’s website is illegal.
To prevent harm caused by email and SMS (short message service), it is effective to set up a receiving rejection setting in advance.

！If you think something is wrong, immediately consult your family, friends, or the police #9110 (dedicated police consultation line)!

• Consumer Hotline 188 (Japanese)
• Consumer Hotline for Tourists 03-5449-0906
(English, Chinese, Korean, Thai, Vietnamese, French, Japanese)
• Financial Services User Consultation Office 0570-016811 (From IP phone 03-5251-6811)
• English General Service 　　email: equestion@fsa.go.jp

Police Box

In Japan, there is a police box (koban) in every section of the town district, where police officers are permanently stationed to carry out patrols, prevent crimes, accept a request to search for a missing person or report of lost property, and give directions if you can’t find your destination. If you are in trouble, please feel free to visit the police box for help.

Theft or Assault

If you are a victim of theft or assault, immediately report the case to the nearest police box or police station. If emergency help is needed, call 110. If your bankbook or credit card is stolen, you have to immediately contact your bank or credit card company to request suspension of withdrawal of money from your bank account.

Traffic Accident

If you are involved in a traffic accident, report it to the police even if the accident causes only minor damage. If someone is injured, call for ambulance dispatch.

If a fire has broken out, immediately call the fire station on the emergency number, 119. At the same time, you should try to put out the fire at an early stage using a fire bucket or a fire extinguisher, while calling for the help of your neighbors by shouting “Fire (KAJI-DA)!”

Dial 119 to call for ambulance dispatchment (“Kyukyusha onegaishimasu”) and give the following information calmly and clearly.

• Emergency service needed (Note that 119 is used for both medical and fire emergencies. Make it clear that yours is a medical emergency.)
• Your location
• Nature of the emergency; illness or injury
• Number, sex, and age of patients (adult, child, or infant)
• Seriousness of injury or illness

HOUTERASU (Japan Legal Support Center)

℡　0570-078374（Japanese）
℡　0570-078377（Multilingual Information Service- English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, Portuguese, Vietnamese, Tagalog)
℡　03-5366-6008（Multilingual Information Service）

Houterasu Shiga

1-2-22 Hamaotsu, Otsu City, Otsusho Chunichisei Bldg. 5th flr.
℡　050-3383-5454

Shiga Bar Association

1-3-3 Umebayashi, Otsu

Human Rights Hotline for Foreign Nationals
Tel. 0570-090911
(English, Chinese, Korean, Filipino, Portuguese, Vietnamese)

110 (the number for emergency cases)

When making a report to the police through the telephone, you may dial 110 without an area code to contact them anytime of the day for 24 hours. When calling from a public phone, press the red emergency button first before dialing 110. (similar to 119, free of charge) Ambulance will be dispatched in case there are injured persons. When you call, give the following information in this order:

1. Whether it is an accident or a crime
2. Where it took place (or the address)
3. Your name

119 (the number for fire emergencies)

The fire department also takes calls 24 hours a day. It has fire trucks and ambulance. When you call, give the following information in this order:

1. Whether it is a fire or an emergency
2. The location (mention any landmark nearby)
3. Your name and telephone number

Rights of a suspect

A suspect is guaranteed of these 3 rights:

1. The right to know the facts
2. The right to remain silent
3. The right to request counsel

Duty Attorney System

There is a system called the “Duty Attorney System”, in which the Bar Association promptly dispatches a lawyer to the suspect who had been arrested and detained by the police, in accordance to his and his family’s request. Please state clearly if you want to request the use of this system.

Shiga Bar Association　Duty lawyer exclusive line　TEL　077-522-2013

Legal Aid System民事法律扶助制度

Japan Legal Support Center (HOUTERASU) has a “Legal Aid System 民事法律扶助制度” for those with financial difficulties, so it is advisable to consult with your duty attorney about this.

HOUTERASU [Multilingual Dial]　TEL 0570-078-377

HOUTERASU [Multilingual Web]

Court-appointed lawyer

After indictment, the accused can request counsel for his trial. If he/she cannot afford to have one, a court-appointed lawyer may be designated to him, if he so requests.