Japanese Phrases for Talking to Police

Report a problem or find your lost belongings — at the koban or police station.

Japan's neighborhood police boxes (交番, kouban) are your first stop for reporting problems or picking up lost items. The officers are generally helpful and patient, but they almost never speak English. You'll need to explain what happened clearly, and the process involves filling out forms and giving details like times and locations. A few key phrases make the difference between a quick resolution and a frustrating hour of miscommunication.

Reporting a Problem

  • すみません、助けてください。

    Sumimasen, tasukete kudasai.

    Excuse me, I need help.

  • 財布を盗まれました。

    Saifu wo nusumaremashita.

    My wallet was stolen.

  • 事故を目撃しました。

    Jiko wo mokugeki shimashita.

    I witnessed an accident.

  • 被害届を出したいのですが。

    Higai todoke wo dashitai no desu ga.

    I'd like to file a police report.

  • 大使館に連絡したいです。

    Taishikan ni renraku shitai desu.

    I need to contact my embassy.

Lost Property

  • 落とし物の届けを出したいのですが。

    Otoshimono no todoke wo dashitai no desu ga.

    I'd like to report a lost item.

  • 電車にかばんを忘れてしまいました。

    Densha ni kaban wo wasurete shimaimashita.

    I left my bag on the train.

  • 見つかったら連絡してもらえますか？

    Mitsukattara renraku shite moraemasu ka?

    Can you contact me if it's found?

  • 届いた落とし物を受け取りに来ました。

    Todoita otoshimono wo uketori ni kimashita.

    I've come to pick up a lost item that was turned in.

Giving Details

  • 昨日の午後3時ごろ起きました。

    Kinou no gogo sanji goro okimashita.

    It happened around 3 PM yesterday.

  • 場所は渋谷駅の近くです。

    Basho wa Shibuya eki no chiku desu.

    It was near Shibuya Station.

  • 相手の顔は覚えていません。

    Aite no kao wa oboete imasen.

    I don't remember the person's face.

  • 通訳を呼んでもらえますか？

    Tsuuyaku wo yonde moraemasu ka?

    Can you call an interpreter?

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